System and method for retrieving tissue samples from a fluid stream generated during a medical/surgical procedure

ABSTRACT

A cassette ( 2600 ) for use with a medical waste collection system ( 30 ). The cassette includes a housing ( 2602, 2612 ) shaped to be removably attached to a receptacle ( 1699 ) integral with the housing. A sleeve ( 2640 ) is attached to the cassette so as to be located forward of the housing. The sleeve is formed with a void space. A fitting ( 2664 ) for collection to a suction line is attached to the sleeve. A screen ( 2714 ) is removably fitted in the sleeve void space. The screen is fitted in the sleeve void space when it is desirable to catch tissue that may be entrained in the fluid stream from the suction line.

RELATIONSHIP TO EARLIER FILED APPLICATIONS

This application is a continuation of PCT Pat. App. No.PCT/US2012/069516 filed 13 Dec. 2012. PCT Pat. App. No.PCT/US2012/069516 is a non-provisional of and claims priority from U.S.Provisional Pat. App. No. 61/576,410 filed 16 Dec. 2011 and U.S.Provisional Pat. App. No. 61/593,675 filed 1 Feb. 2012. The contents ofthe priority applications are incorporated herein by reference.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

This invention relates generally to a system and method for collectingwaste and retrieving tissue samples generated during a surgicalprocedure. More particularly, this invention relates to a system andmethod for retrieving tissue samples from the gastrointestinal tractduring surgical procedures such as colonoscopies.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

A byproduct of the performance of some medical and surgical proceduresis the generation of liquid, semi-solid and solid waste. This wasteincludes body fluids, such as blood, and irrigating solution that areintroduced to the body site at which the procedure is performed. Solidand semisolid waste generated during a procedure includes bits of tissueand small pieces of the surgical material that may be left at the site.Ideally, the waste is collected upon generation so the waste neithervisually obstructs nor fouls the surgical site nor becomes a biohazardin the operating room or other location at which the procedure is beingperformed.

A number of systems are available for use by surgical personnel forcollecting this waste as it is generated. Generally, these units includea suction source, tubing that extends from the suction source and acontainment unit between the tubing and the suction source. When thesystem is actuated, waste is drawn through the distal end of the tubing.The suction draws the waste through the tubing so that it flows into andis stored in the containment unit. One such system is Applicants'Assignee's NEPTUNE surgical waste collection system. This particularsystem includes a mobile unit that includes a suction pump and twocanisters. Tubing is connected to each canister through a removablemanifold. Since this unit is mobile, it can be positioned in relativelyclose proximity to the patient on which the procedure is beingperformed. This reduces the extent to which the suction tubing, whichinvariably also functions as operating room clutter, is present aroundthe surgical personnel. This system also has features that reduce theextent to which the surgical and support personnel are potentiallyexposed to the materials collected by the system. U.S. Pat. No.7,621,898, issued Nov. 24, 2009, the contents of which are incorporatedherein by reference, describes a number of features of this system.

A feature of this system is the intake manifold. This manifold includesa filter element that traps large bits of solid matter. This isdesirable because these solids can potentially clog theproximally-located components of the system. Moreover, the manifold isformed from material that makes it possible to provide the manifold as asingle use item. After use of the system, effort does not have to bespent sterilizing the manifold, with its narrow conduits, or itsinternal filter. Instead, personnel handling the used manifold only needto contact the outer surface of this component. This process furtherminimizes the extent to which these individuals potentially come intocontact with the waste material. The Applicants' Assignee's U.S. Pat.No. 7,615,037 issued Nov. 10, 2009, the contents of which areincorporated herein by reference, provided a more detailed descriptionof this type of manifold.

In some surgical procedures such as a colonoscopy, it is desirable tocollect one or more tissue samples from the patient during the surgicalprocedure. The tissue sample typically is sent to a laboratory forautomated analysis or is manually analyzed by a specialist such as apathologist. To collect a tissue sample, the tubing connecting themedical instrument used to apply suction to the patient to thecontainment unit is disconnected manually. A separate device is thenplaced in series with this tubing so as to be located upstream from thecontainment unit. The tissue sample is captured in the device. Thedevice is then removed and the tubing from the suction applicator isreconnected directly to the containment unit. Repetitive connecting anddisconnecting of the tubing during the collection of multiple samplesadds additional time to the completion of the surgical procedure. Upondisconnection of the tubing, small amounts of adhered uncontained liquidand semisolid waste in the tubing can be released into the surroundingenvironment potentially contaminating the floors and other surfaces inthe surgical facility.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

This invention is directed to a new and useful system and method forsystem and method for retrieving tissue samples during medical andsurgical procedures such as colonoscopies. The system of this inventionincludes a mobile unit that to which both a source of irrigating fluidand container for collecting waste is connected. A removable cassette isattached to the mobile unit. In many versions of the invention, thecassette is seated in a receptacle, a structural component of the wastecollection unit. The cassette has a fitting for receiving the suctionline that extends from the suction applicator. The cassette also has anoutlet into the waste collection unit container. A tissue trap isremovably mounted to the cassette. The tissue trap is selectively placedin series with the fluid flow that the suction draws through thecassette. The trap includes a filter for trapping tissue that isentrained in the fluid stream drawn into the mobile unit.

In some versions of the invention, the tissue trap is selectivelyattached to the cassette. In these versions of the invention, when thetissue trap is not mounted to cassette, the fluid stream flows through afirst set of conduits internal to the cassette into the container. Whenit is desirable to remove a tissue specimen from the fluid stream, thetissue trap is temporarily fitted to the cassette. This results in thefluid stream flowing through the trap. The tissue is therefore retainedin the trap as the rest of the material entrained in the waste streamflows to the cassette.

In other versions of the invention, the tissue trap, while removablyattached to the cassette may be attached to the cassette even when thereis no need to collect tissue. In these versions of the invention, one ormore valves regulate the path through the cassette through which thewaste stream flows. If there is no need to collect tissue, thevalve/valves is/are placed in a bypass mode. When the valves are in thebypass mode, the fluid stream is not flowed through the trap. Whentissue collection is desired, the valve/valves are set into a tissuecollection mode. When the valve/valves are in this mode, the fluidstream is flowed through the tissue trap prior to being discharged intothe waste collection canister. The tissue is blocked from downstreamflow into the waste collection canister by the filter integral with thetrap.

In each version of the invention, once tissue is captured in one trap,another trap can be fitted to the cassette. This makes it possible to,in single procedure, trap plural specimens while only a single cassetteis attached to the waste collection unit. Since only a single cassetteis employed there is no need to, during the procedure, constantlydisconnected the suction tube from and reconnect the suction tube todifferent cassettes.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The invention is pointed out with particularity in the claims. The aboveand further features and advantages of the invention are understood bythe following Detailed Description taken in conjunction with theaccompanying drawings in which:

FIG. 1A is a side view of a medical/surgical waste collection system ofthis invention;

FIG. 1B is a schematic view of a control system for controlling theoperation of the medical/surgical waste collection system of FIG. 1A;

FIG. 1C is a cross sectional view of a colonoscope;

FIG. 2 is a cross sectional view of a manifold assembly mounted in thewaste collection system;

FIG. 3 is a right front perspective view of the manifold assemblyaccording to one embodiment;

FIG. 4 is a left front perspective view of the manifold assembly;

FIG. 5 is a front exploded view of the manifold assembly;

FIG. 6 is a rear exploded view of the manifold assembly;

FIG. 7 is a top exploded view of a cassette;

FIG. 8 is a bottom exploded view of the cassette;

FIG. 9A is a rear view of the upper cassette housing with the irrigationcoupler in the open position;

FIG. 9B is a top view of the upper cassette housing with the irrigationcoupler in the open position;

FIG. 9C is a front view of the upper cassette housing with theirrigation coupler in the open position;

FIG. 9D is a right side view of the upper cassette housing with theirrigation coupler in the open position;

FIG. 9E is a bottom view of the upper cassette housing with theirrigation coupler in the open position;

FIG. 9F is a bottom perspective view of the upper cassette housing withthe irrigation coupler in the open position;

FIG. 9G is a top perspective view of the upper cassette housing with theirrigation coupler in the open position;

FIG. 10A is a rear view of the upper cassette housing with theirrigation coupler in the closed position;

FIG. 10B is a top view of the upper cassette housing with the irrigationcoupler in the closed position;

FIG. 10C is a front view of the upper cassette housing with theirrigation coupler in the closed position;

FIG. 10D is a right side view of the upper cassette housing with theirrigation coupler in the closed position;

FIG. 10E is a bottom view of the upper cassette housing with theirrigation coupler in the closed position;

FIG. 10F is a bottom perspective view of the upper cassette housing withthe irrigation coupler in the closed position;

FIG. 10G is a top perspective view of the upper cassette housing withthe irrigation coupler in the closed position;

FIG. 11A is a top view of a tissue trap with the screen in a closedposition;

FIG. 11B is a rear view of the tissue trap with the screen in a closedposition;

FIG. 11C is a left side view of the tissue trap with the screen in aclosed position;

FIG. 11D is a rear perspective view of the tissue trap with the screenin a closed position;

FIG. 11E is a front perspective view of the tissue trap with the screenin a closed position;

FIG. 12A is a top view of the tissue trap with the screen in an openposition;

FIG. 12B is a rear view of the tissue trap with the screen in an openposition;

FIG. 12C is a left side view of the tissue trap with the screen in anopen position;

FIG. 12D is a rear perspective view of the tissue trap with the screenin an open position;

FIG. 12E is a front perspective view of the tissue trap with the screenin an open position;

FIG. 13 is a perspective view of a specimen container and the tissuetrap;

FIG. 14 is a perspective view of the tissue trap contained within thespecimen container;

FIG. 15A is a left front perspective view of another embodiment of amanifold assembly;

FIG. 15B is a cross sectional view of the manifold assembly of FIG. 15Amounted in a waste collection system;

FIG. 16 is a left front exploded view of the manifold assembly of FIG.15;

FIG. 17 is a cross-sectional view of the manifold assembly of FIG. 15;

FIG. 18A is a perspective exploded view of the cassette of FIG. 15;

FIG. 18B is a perspective view of an lower housing;

FIG. 18C is top view of the lower housing;

FIG. 18D is a bottom view of the lower housing;

FIG. 18E is a front view of the lower housing;

FIG. 18F is a right side view of the upper housing;

FIG. 19 is an enlarged perspective exploded view showing details of FIG.18A;

FIG. 20A is a perspective view of a valve member;

FIG. 20B is a bottom view of the valve member;

FIG. 20C is a side view of the valve member;

FIG. 20D is a top view of the valve member;

FIG. 21A is a perspective view of a tissue trap;

FIG. 21B is a top view of the tissue trap;

FIG. 21C is front view of the tissue trap;

FIG. 21D is a side view of the tissue trap;

FIG. 21E is a rear view of the tissue trap;

FIG. 21F is a bottom view of the tissue trap;

FIG. 22A is a perspective view of the tissue trap contained within aspecimen container;

FIG. 22B is a top view of the tissue trap contained within a specimencontainer;

FIG. 22C is front view of the tissue trap contained within a specimencontainer;

FIG. 22D is a cross sectional view of the tissue trap contained within aspecimen container as taken along section line 22D-22D in FIG. 22C;

FIG. 23 is a left front exploded view of another embodiment of amanifold assembly;

FIG. 24A is a right front perspective view of the manifold assembly ofFIG. 23;

FIG. 24B is cross sectional view of an actuator and pinch valve;

FIG. 25 is a front view of the manifold assembly of FIG. 23;

FIG. 26 is a top exploded perspective view of a cassette;

FIG. 27 is a bottom exploded perspective view of a cassette;

FIG. 28A is a top view of a lower cassette housing;

FIG. 28B is a right side view of the lower cassette housing;

FIG. 28C is a bottom view of the lower cassette housing;

FIG. 29A is a top view of a rubber sheet;

FIG. 29B is a right side view of the rubber sheet;

FIG. 29C is a bottom view of the rubber sheet;

FIG. 30A is a top view of an upper cassette housing;

FIG. 30B is a right side view of the upper cassette housing;

FIG. 30C is a bottom view of the upper cassette housing;

FIG. 31 is an exploded top view of a tissue trap and specimen container;

FIG. 32 is an exploded bottom view of the tissue trap and specimencontainer;

FIG. 33 is an exploded top view of a water bottle; and

FIG. 34 is an exploded bottom view of the water bottle.

FIG. 35 is a perspective view of another embodiment of a manifoldassembly showing a cassette seated in a receptacle.

FIG. 36 is a cross-sectional view of the manifold assembly of FIG. 35with the cassette seated in a receptacle.

FIG. 37A is a right front perspective view of the manifold assemblyaccording to one embodiment;

FIG. 37B is a left rear perspective view of the manifold assembly;

FIG. 38A is a front exploded view of the manifold assembly;

FIG. 38B is a cross-sectional view of the manifold assembly;

FIG. 38C is a perspective view of a flapper valve unit;

FIG. 38D is a cross-sectional view of the flapper valve unit;

FIG. 39A is a top view of the manifold assembly with the tissue trapremoved;

FIG. 39B is a side view of the manifold assembly with the tissue trapremoved;

FIG. 40A is a top view of the cassette cap;

FIG. 40B is a front view of the cassette cap;

FIG. 40C is a right side view of the cassette cap;

FIG. 40D is a rear view of the cassette cap;

FIG. 40E is a left side view of the cassette cap;

FIG. 41A is a top view of a cassette shell;

FIG. 41B is a front view of the cassette shell;

FIG. 41C is a right side view of the cassette shell;

FIG. 41D is a rear view of the cassette shell;

FIG. 41E is a left side view of the cassette shell;

FIG. 42A is a top view of a tissue trap;

FIG. 42B is a front view of the tissue trap;

FIG. 42C is a right side view of the tissue trap;

FIG. 42D is a rear view of the tissue trap;

FIG. 42E is a left side view of the tissue trap;

FIG. 43 is a perspective exploded view of an additional embodiment of amanifold assembly;

FIG. 44 is a perspective exploded view of an additional embodiment of amanifold assembly;

FIG. 45A is a top view of the tissue trap of FIG. 44;

FIG. 45B is a front view of the tissue trap of FIG. 44;

FIG. 45C is a right side view of the tissue trap of FIG. 44;

FIG. 45D is a rear view of the tissue trap of FIG. 44;

FIG. 45E is a left side view of the tissue trap of FIG. 44;

FIG. 46 is a perspective view of another embodiment of a manifoldassembly;

FIG. 47 is an exploded view of the manifold assembly of FIG. 46;

FIG. 48A is a perspective view of a tissue trap receiver with attachedcaps;

FIG. 48B is a perspective view of a tissue trap receiver with the capsremoved;

FIG. 49A is a front view of the tissue trap receiver of FIG. 48B;

FIG. 49B is a bottom view of the tissue trap receiver;

FIG. 49C is a side view of the tissue trap receiver;

FIG. 49D is a top view of the tissue trap receiver;

FIG. 49E is a rear side view of the tissue trap receiver;

FIG. 50 is a perspective view of an irrigation cassette assembly;

FIG. 51 is a cross-sectional view of the irrigation cassette assemblymounted in an irrigation receptacle;

FIG. 52 is an exploded perspective view of the irrigation cassetteassembly of FIG. 50;

FIG. 53 is another exploded perspective view of the irrigation cassetteassembly of FIG. 50;

FIG. 54 is an exploded side view of the irrigation cassette assembly ofFIG. 50;

FIG. 55 is a top perspective view of another embodiment of an irrigationcassette assembly;

FIG. 56 is a bottom perspective view of another embodiment of anirrigation cassette assembly;

FIG. 57 is an exploded view of the components forming an additionalalternative cassette of this invention;

FIG. 58 is a cross sectional view of the cassette of FIG. 57;

FIG. 59 is a front plane view of the cassette of FIG. 57;

FIG. 60 is a cross sectional view of the cap of the cassette of FIG. 57;

FIGS. 61A and 61B are, respectively front and rear perspective views ofthe screen holder used with the cassette of FIG. 57; and

FIG. 62 is a perspective view of the cassette of FIG. 57 with installedscreen holder.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION I. Overview

FIG. 1A illustrates a waste and tissue collection system 30 constructedin accordance with this invention. System 30, sometimes referred to as amobile unit or rover, includes a base 32. The cover and door assembliesthat normally conceal the components of mobile unit 30 are not presentin FIG. 1A so that these components can be seen. Wheels 34 attached tothe bottom of the base 32 provide the system with mobility. Twocanisters 36 and 38 are mounted to the base 32. A first one of thecanisters, canister 36, has a relatively large interior volume, betweenapproximately 10 and 40 liters. The second canister, canister 38, has asmaller volume, between approximately 1 and 10 liters. Each canister 36and 38 has a cap 40 and 42, respectively.

With additional reference to FIG. 2, attached to canister cap 42 ofcanister 38 is a manifold assembly 100. Manifold assembly 100 includes areceptacle 102 and a cassette 200. Cassette 200 is removably seated inreceptacle 102. As described below, cassette 200 is formed with a numberof fittings 180 and 181. Fitting 180 can receive a suction line 50 andfitting 181 can receive an irrigation line 51. The distal end of eachsuction line 50 and irrigation line 51 is attached to a suctionapplicator 52. (Here, “distal”, refers to towards the surgical site atwhich the suction is applied and “proximal” means away from the surgicalsite.) In FIG. 1A, suction applicator 52 is diagrammatically shown as ahand piece specifically and solely designed to apply suction andirrigation, it should be understood that this is exemplary, notlimiting. Sometimes the suction applicator 52 is built into anothersurgical tool, such as a colonoscope or ablation tool, applied to asurgical site to accomplish a task other than applying suction andirrigation.

Also part of mobile unit 30 is a suction pump 58 and peristaltic pump70. A duct extends from each cap 40 and 42 to the suction conduit. InFIG. 1A these conduits are depicted as dashed lines 60. These conduitsare fluid path through which the suction pump draws a vacuum on thecanisters 36 and 38 and, by extension, the suction tubing connected tothe canisters. When suction pump 58 is actuated, the resultant suctiondraws matter into the applicator attached to the suction tube.

A continuous suction fluid communication path 184 is formed fromapplicator 52 to suction pump 58. The waste stream flows from thereceptacle 102 into the associated canister 36. Liquid and small solidbits of matter entrained in this flow stream precipitate out of thestream into the canister 38. This waste is thus stored in the canister36 until the canister is emptied. Gas and any small bits of matterentrained in this flow stream flow from the canister towards the suctionpump 58.

An alternative manifold receptacle 1699 is shown attached to canister36. Manifold receptacle 1699 is shaped to receive another manifold (notillustrated) not part of the present invention. This particular manifoldreceptacle and the manifold inserted in it are disclosed in theincorporated by reference U.S. Pat. No. 7,615,037.

As seen in FIG. 2, cap 42 is formed to have a solid cap head 63 thatprojects upwardly from the top surface of the base of the cap. A cavity64 is defined in cap head 63. Receptacle 102 is mounted in cavity 64.Receptacle 102 is mounted to cavity 64 with the panels of receptacle 102in contact with the interior panels of cap head 63. Cassette 200 isremovably retained within receptacle 102. Irrigation fitting 180 andsuction fitting 181 extend distally away from cassette 200.

Peristaltic pump 70 is coupled with irrigation line 51 such thatrotation of peristaltic pump 70 forces irrigation liquid from anirrigation liquid source 72 through irrigation line 162, cassette 200and irrigation line 51 to applicator 52 where it is supplied to asurgical site. Peristaltic pump 70 comprises a rotary electric motor 71that is connected by a shaft 72 to eccentric rollers 74. Peristalticpump 70 supplies irrigation fluid to applicator 52 as will be describedlater in more detail. A continuous irrigation fluid communication path182 is formed from irrigation liquid source 72 to applicator 52.

A linear actuator 80 is connected to piston 300 through a connecting rod82. Linear actuator 80 can cause rod 82 to move in reciprocating motiontoward and away from piston 300. Piston 300 is shown located toward asleeve distal end 245 and tissue trap 350 is shown located toward asleeve proximal end 244.

FIG. 1B illustrates a control system 190 for controlling the operationof waste collection system 30. Control system 190 is mounted withinwaste collection system 30. Control system 190 includes a controller192. Controller 192 can be a general purpose micro-processor ormicro-controller or a computer. Controller 192 is in communication withand controls the operation of suction motor 58, pump motor 71, actuator80, light source 129, radio frequency identification (RFID) reader 194,and control panel 196. Control panel 196 includes buttons, switches anddisplays to allow a user to select, control and view operationalparameters of waste collection system 30.

FIG. 1C illustrates details of one suction applicator 52, specifically acolonoscope 52 for performing colonoscopies. Colonoscope 52 has ahandgrip 164 that is connected to an elongated flexible tube 165 with anend 166. Handgrip 164 is connected to an irrigation fluid connection167, a suction connection 168, a light source 169 and an air pump 170.Flexible tube 165 contains a suction channel 171, an air channel 172, awater channel 173 and biopsy valve 174. Irrigation fluid connection 167is connected with irrigation line 51 (FIG. 1A) and suction connection168 is connected to suction line 50 (FIG. 1A). End 166 is placed at asurgical site and suction, air or irrigation fluid are applied to thesurgical site through end 166. A polyp sample can be collected orretrieved from a gastrointestinal tract using colonoscope 52. A cuttingtool (not shown) is inserted through biopsy valve 174 and suctionchannel 171 to the surgical site. The cutting tool can resect and removea polyp. The cutting tool is removed from suction channel 171 and thepolyp is extracted from the resection site by the suction drawn throughsuction channel 171.

II. First Embodiment A. Receptacle

Turning to FIGS. 3-6, manifold assembly 100 of the first embodiment ofthis invention is illustrated. Manifold assembly 100 comprises areceptacle 102, cassette 200, piston 300 and tissue trap 350.

Receptacle 102 is shown generally rectangular in shape. Other shapessuch as round, oval or square can be utilized. Receptacle 102 is definedby six exterior panels including parallel and spaced apart generallyhorizontally oriented top and bottom panels 105 and 106; parallel andspaced apart generally vertically oriented panels 107 and 108; andparallel and spaced apart generally vertically oriented front panel 109and partial back or rear panel 110. A flange 112 extends peripherallyand perpendicularly outward from panels 105, 107 and 108. Flange 112 hasa rear surface 114. Receptacle 102 can be formed from any suitablematerial such as injection molded plastic.

The front panel 109 defines a horizontally oriented opening 118including a narrow region 119 and a wide region 120. The opening 118extends across the width of receptacle 102 and extends throughreceptacle 102 between front panel 109 and rear panel 110. A panel 117extends perpendicularly away from bottom panel 106 and adjoins bottompanel 116 to define the wide region opening 120. Bottom panel 116extends between panels 107 and 117 and is generally parallel with panel106. Wide region 120 is defined by panels 105, 107, 116 and 117. Wideregion 120 is unitary with narrow region 119.

A generally rectangular shaped door opening 124 is defined in the toppanel 105 adjacent the edge of the receptacle and adjoining side panel107. A generally rectangular shaped irrigation opening 126 (FIG. 6) isdefined in the bottom panel 106 adjacent the edge of the receptacle 102and adjoining side panel 108. A light hole 128 (FIG. 6) is defined inside panel 107 adjacent to flange 112. A light source such as a lightemitting diode 129 is mounted in light hole 128 in order to illuminatepiston 300 and tissue trap 350. Light emitting diode 129 is connectedwith a source of electrical power (not shown) mounted in cap 42. Anaperture or port 130 (FIG. 5) is defined in bottom panel 116 andpositioned toward front panel 109.

An elongated door 136 is rotatably mounted to top panel 105 via one ormore hinges 142. In FIGS. 4 and 5, only the top edge of door 136 isillustrated. Door 136 includes a top edge 138 and a wide section 140that has an attached foot 141. Foot 141 extends perpendicularly awayfrom the bottom of door 136 into wide region 120 of opening 118. Door136 rotates about hinges 142 between an open position, shown in FIGS.3-5, and a closed position, shown in FIG. 16, in which door 136 coversopening 118 including both narrow region 119 and wide region 120. In theclosed position, foot 141 is positioned over suction aperture 130thereby sealing or closing the path to canister 38. When door 136 is inthe open position, foot 141 extends through door opening 124. Hinge 142biases door 136 into a normally closed position when cassette 200 isremoved from or not mounted in passage 118.

A pair of parallel diametrically opposed elongated L-shaped rails 134(best seen in FIG. 4) extend away from bottom panel 106 below irrigationopening 126. Rails 134 define a slot 132 there between that extends frompanel 108 inwardly along and below irrigation opening 126. Parallel anddiametrically opposed elongated grooves 135 are defined along the lengthof each rail 134.

With reference to FIG. 4, irrigation coupler 150 provides an irrigationfluid connection between irrigation line 162 (FIG. 1A) and cassette 200.Irrigation coupler 150 has a generally rectangular shaped body 152 witha distal end 153, a wider integral proximal handle 154 and a pair ofparallel opposed beveled elongated sides 156 located on opposite sidesof body 152. An outlet fitting 158 formed from compressible materialextends upwardly from body 152 and an inlet port 160 extends below body152 towards proximal handle 154. Inlet port 160 has a barbed end (notshown) for retention of irrigation line 162. A fluid communication pathextends through body 152 between outlet fitting 158 and inlet port 160.Irrigation line 162 is connected between inlet port 160 and the sourceof irrigation fluid 72. Irrigation coupler 150 can be formed from anysuitable material such as injection molded plastic.

Irrigation coupler 150 is inserted into and removed from slot 132. Auser can insert the irrigation coupler 150 by grasping handle 154 andguiding distal end 153 towards slot 132 such that beveled sides 156engage grooves 135. Continued pushing of handle 154 towards receptacle102 with manual force causes beveled sides 156 to slide along grooves135 until the irrigation coupler 150 is fully seated within slot 132when handle 154 contacts rails 134. Irrigation coupler 150 can beremoved by a user grasping handle 154 and pulling the irrigation coupler150 away from slot 132.

An identification device 376 (FIG. 5) is attached to irrigation coupler150. Identification device 376 can be any suitable identification devicesuch as a radio frequency identification (RFID) tag or device, a barcode, a magnetic strip or other memory device. The identification devicecan contain information such as set-up information, expirationinformation and controls for re-use or reprocessing.

B. Cassette

FIGS. 7-8, 9A-9G and 10A-10G illustrate details of cassette 200.Cassette 200 can be formed from any suitable material such as injectionmolded plastic. With specific reference to FIGS. 7-8, cassette 200 isgenerally rectangular in shape and comprises a housing 202 that has twopieces, an upper housing 204 and an opposed lower housing 206. While thehousing is illustrated using two pieces, it is contemplated that housing202 can be formed as a single unitary part. Upper housing 204 and lowerhousing 206 are mated together to form housing 202. A cavity 203 isdefined within housing 202 between upper housing 204 and lower housing206. Upper housing 204 includes a planar top panel 207, front panel 208,curved back panel 210, and side panels 212, 214 and 215. Panels 208,210, 212, 214 and 215 extend perpendicularly away from top panel 207.

A pair of interior support panels, 218 and 219 extend between frontpanel 208 and back panel 210. Interior support panels 218 and 219 aregenerally parallel to each other and extend perpendicularly away fromtop panel 207. Interior support panels 218 and 219 define an irrigationtubing channel 220. An opening 222 in front panel 210 opens into tubingchannel 220. A cover 224 extends away from side panel 214 and isco-planar with top panel 207. Cover 224 is mechanically supported byseveral ribs 216 that extend between side panel 214 and cover 224. Anarm 226 extends away from side panel 214 adjacent rear panel 208 and isco-planar with top panel 207. Slot 227 is defined between cover 224 andarm 226.

Suction fitting 180 is a ninety degree elbow fitting that provides afluid communication path and is mounted to arm 226. Suction fitting 180has a tapered end 228 to which a suction line 50 (FIG. 1A) is attachedand removed and another end 229. End 229 extends slightly away from arm226. Tapered end 228 is oriented facing away from the front of cassette200 and end 229 is oriented facing toward lower housing 206. Upperhousing 204 further includes an irrigation connector 260 (FIG. 8) thatis located within a corner of cassette 200 adjacent panels 212 and 215.With additional reference to FIGS. 9A-9G and 10A-10G, irrigationconnector 260 has a generally L-shaped body 262 with a pair of spacedapart flexible feet 264 that extend from body 262 and rest on panel 207.Irrigation connector 260 has a tapered outlet end or port 266 and arecessed chamfered inlet end or port 268. Outlet end or port 266 islocated between a portion of panels 210 and 215. Irrigation connector260 makes a ninety degree bend or elbow and defines a fluidcommunication path for irrigation liquid between inlet port 268 andoutlet port 266. Body 262 is attached to panel 212 through a livinghinge 270. A living hinge is a thin flexible hinge or flexure bearingthat is formed as a unitary piece between two components that aredesired to be moved relative to each other. Feet 264 provide a springforce to body 262 that biases body 262 away from panel 207.

Upper housing 204 is formed or molded with irrigation connector 260extending distally away from side 212 (FIG. 9E). In this position,irrigation connector 260 is located outside of upper housing 204. Body260 can be rotated about living hinge 270 into cavity 203 such that feet264 rest on top panel 207 with outlet port 266 located between a portionof panels 210 and 215 (FIG. 10E). In this position, irrigation connector260 is located inside of upper housing 204.

Turning back to FIGS. 7 and 8, lower housing 206 includes a planarbottom panel 230, front panel 232, curved back panel 234, and side panel236. Panels 232, 234 and 236 extend perpendicularly away from bottompanel 230 and each have a beveled edge 237. A U-shaped opening 235 islocated in front panel 232 to allow irrigation tubing end 282 to passthere through. A generally elongated hollow squared shaped cassettesleeve 240 extends outwardly from the bottom panel 230 at end 238.

Sleeve 240 has an outer surface 242, an inner surface 243, proximal end244, distal end 245 and a bore 246. Bore 246 extends entirely throughsleeve 240 between proximal and distal ends 244 and 246. A suctionaperture 248 is defined in one side of sleeve 240 toward proximal end244. A cassette discharge port 250 is defined in an opposing side ofsleeve 240 toward the center of sleeve 240.

Lower housing 206 further includes a lens 223 (FIG. 5) that is mountedin the top side of sleeve 240. Lens 223 is a magnifying lens that canmagnify the contents of tissue trap 350. A user can view any tissuesamples collected in tissue trap 350 through lens 223. Pump tube 280includes an irrigation tube 181, ends 281 and 282, a curved rollercontact section 284 and an angled section 286. After assembling pumptube 280 to lower housing 204, angled section 284 is disposed incassette 200, in channel 220. Pump tube 280 can be formed from anysuitable material such as an elastomer or silicone rubber. End 281 ispress fit over tapered outlet end or port 266 of irrigation connector260. Curved roller contact section 284 is positioned adjacent to andextends along the outer surface of curved panel 210. Angled section 286is positioned and retained within irrigation tube channel 220 betweenpanels 218 and 219. Pump tube 280 further extends from angled section286 through openings 222 and 235 to end 282. Pump tube 280 provides afluid communication path for irrigation liquid to flow from outlet port266 to irrigation fitting 181.

Upper housing 204 and lower housing 206 are mated together to formcassette 200. Housings 204 and 206 are retained to each other bypress-fitting, snap fitting or welding the two housing sectionstogether. Other retention means such as adhesives can also be used. Whenhousings 204 and 206 are pressed together to mate, beveled edges 237force panels 232, 234 and 236 to be seated inwardly of panels 208, 210and 212, respectively. In the mated position, cover 224 extends over aportion of sleeve 240 toward distal end 245. Also in the mated position,arm 226 extends over a portion of sleeve 240 toward proximal end 244with end 229 of suction fitting 180 fitting into or received intosuction aperture 248.

With additional reference to FIG. 5, piston 300 is shown to have agenerally rectangular shape. Other shapes such as round, oval or squarecan be utilized. Piston 300 is defined by six exterior surfacesincluding parallel and spaced apart generally horizontally oriented topand bottom surfaces 302 and 303; parallel and spaced apart generallyvertically oriented surfaces 304 and 305; and parallel and spaced apartgenerally vertically oriented front and rear surfaces 306 and 307.Chamber 301 is defined within piston 300. A raised rim 308 extends at anangle peripherally outward from the front panel 306 and from surfaces302, 303, 304 and 305. Another raised rim 310 extends at an angleperipherally outward from the rear panel 307 and from surfaces 302, 303,304 and 305.

Piston 300 has a proximal end 318 and a distal end 319 that faces towardbore 246. A generally rectangular recess 312 is defined toward thecenter of top surface 302. The bottom of recess 312 is defined by shelf313. An aperture 314 is located in shelf 313 toward distal end 319.Aperture 314 extends through piston 300 between shelf 313 and bottomsurface 304. An opening 316 (FIG. 8) is located in bottom surface 303toward distal end 319. Opening 316 is coaxial with aperture 314. Piston300 is adapted to be received by bore 246 of sleeve 240. Piston 300 canslide along inner surface 243 with raised rims 308 and 310 in contactwith inner surface 243. Piston 300 can be formed from any suitablematerial such as injection molded elastomer. Piston 300 forms a sealbetween raised rims 308 and 310 and inner surface 243.

With reference to FIGS. 11A-11E and 12A-12E, the tissue trap 350 isshown. Tissue trap 350 is generally rectangular in shape. Other shapessuch as round, oval or square can be utilized. Tissue trap 350 can beformed from any suitable material such as low durometer plastic orthermoplastic elastomer. Tissue trap 350 is defined by five exteriorpanels including parallel and spaced apart generally vertically orientedpanels 352 and 353; parallel and spaced apart generally verticallyoriented front and rear panels 354 and 355; and a horizontally orientedbottom panel 356. Notch 357 is defined in panel 355. A flange 358extends peripherally outward from the front panel 354 and from panels352, 353, 354 and 356. Tissue trap 350 defines a cavity 360

A pair of diametrically opposed spaced apart centering features 362 and364 extend distally away from side or end 355. Centering feature 362 islocated toward side or end 353 and centering feature 364 is locatedtoward side or end 352. Centering features 362 and 364 guide tissue trap350 during insertion into bore 246 (FIG. 7) of sleeve 240. An aperture366 is defined in bottom panel 356 adjacent to the interior of panel355. Aperture 366 is in fluid communication with cavity 360.

An L-shaped screen 368 is rotatably coupled to tissue trap 350 by aliving hinge 374. Screen 368 has a rectangular bottom section 369 and arectangular side section 370. Bottom section 369 is orientedperpendicular to side section 370. A number of holes 372 are definedthrough bottom section 369. Screen 368 can be rotated about hinge 374between a closed position within cavity 360 as shown in FIGS. 11A-11Eand an open position outside of cavity 360 as shown in FIGS. 12A-12E.

An identification device 376 (best seen in FIGS. 3 and 6) is attached toside 352 of tissue trap 350. Identification device 376 can be anysuitable identification device such as a radio frequency identification(RFID) tag or device, a bar code, a magnetic strip or other memorydevice. The identification device can contain information such as set-upinformation, expiration information and controls for re-use orreprocessing.

Another identification device 378 (best seen in FIGS. 5 and 6) isattached to cover 224 of cassette 200. Identification device 378 can beany suitable identification device such as a radio frequencyidentification (RFID) device, a bar code, a magnetic strip or othermemory device. The identification device can contain information such asset-up information, expiration information and controls for re-use orreprocessing.

FIGS. 13 and 14 illustrate a specimen container or jar 380. Specimencontainer or jar 380 has a generally cylindrical shape with an outerpanel 382, a bottom panel 383. Two planar diametrically opposed spacedapart grasping sections 384 are located in outer panel 382 of specimencontainer 380. A compartment 388 is defined within specimen container380. In one embodiment, compartment 388 contains a preservative solution389 such as formalin or other suitable preservative solution. In anotherembodiment, the preservative solution is omitted. Specimen container 380is formed from a transparent material such that the contents ofcompartment 388 may be viewed by a user.

An annular flange 386 extends peripherally upward and outward from panel382. Annular threads 387 are defined in the outer face of flange 386.Circular cap 390 has annular threads 391. Cap 390 is attached tospecimen container 380 by the rotation of cap 390 relative to specimencontainer 390 to mate threads 387 and 391.

Cap 390 is removably retained to specimen container 380 by a capretainer 392. Cap retainer 392 has an elongated arm 395 having aproximal end 396 removably attached to flange 386 and a distal end 397attached to arc shaped rib 393. Rib 393 is connected to cap 390 by tabs394. Tabs 394 provide a weak connection between rib 393 and cap 390.

A user places cap 390 over specimen container 380. Cap retainer 392aligns threads 387 and 391. As cap 390 is rotated relative to specimencontainer 380, tabs 394 break separating cap 390 from cap retainer 392.A user can then pull on arm 395 to remove cap retainer 392 from specimencontainer 380.

As shown in FIG. 14, a user may place tissue trap 350 containing atissue sample 398 into compartment 388 thereby submerging the tissuetrap 350 and the tissue sample 398 under preservative solution 389.Tissue sample 398 can be a wide variety of tissue specimens. Forexample, tissue sample 398 can be a biopsy sample from a body locationor a polyp from a colon. Cap 390 is then screwed onto specimen container380 to seal the tissue sample 398 and tissue trap 350 within specimencontainer 380.

C. Operation of the First Embodiment

Referring to FIGS. 1-14, mobile unit 30 (FIG. 1) is prepared for use bya user inserting the cassette 200 into the complementary receptacle 102of manifold assembly 100 associated with the canister 38. This step isperformed by inserting the cassette 200 into the receptacle 102 so thatback panel 215 is directed to open door 136. When door 136 is open foot141 extends through opening 124. Cassette 200 slides into passage 118until back panel 215 contacts rear panel 110. In this position, cassettedischarge port 250 (FIG. 8) is seated against and in fluid communicationwith suction conduit 59. Curved tubing section 284 is pressed againstperistaltic pump roller 74 such that the rotation of the rollers 74forces irrigation fluid through pump tube 280.

RFID reader 194 recognizes RFID tag 376 of the inserted cassette 200 andsends a signal to controller 192 to allow operation of mobile unit 30when cassette 200 is seated in receptacle 102. After cassette 200 isinserted into receptacle 102, controller 192 activates light source 129to illuminate piston 300 and tissue trap 350.

Irrigation line 162 is connected between irrigation fluid source 72 andirrigation connector 150. Irrigation coupler 150 is inserted into slot132. A user can insert the irrigation coupler 150 by grasping handle 154and guiding distal end 153 towards slot 132 such that beveled sides 156engage grooves 135. Continued pushing of handle 154 towards receptacle102 with manual force causes beveled sides 156 to slide along grooves135 until the irrigation coupler 150 is fully seated within slot 132. Inthis position, outlet fitting 158 makes a connection through irrigationconnector 260 to pump tube 280. Outlet fitting 158 is then in fluidcommunication with pump tube 280.

Mobile unit 30 is completed for use by coupling of an applicator 52 suchas a colonoscope to the unit by attaching suction line 50 to fitting 180and irrigation line 51 to fitting 181.

Cassette 200 is selected for a mode of operation by the positioning ofpiston 300 within sleeve 240. Piston 300 is initially in a position asshown in FIG. 3 where piston 300 is located in the distal end 244 ofsleeve 240. This is the bypass position. In the bypass position, piston300 is aligned such that recess 312 is aligned under end 229 of fitting180 and aperture 314 is aligned with aperture cassette discharge portthereby allowing fluid flow through piston 300.

Mobile unit 30 is actuated by activating the suction pump 58 andperistaltic pump 70. Activation of suction pump 58 results in a wastestream being drawn along a suction fluid communication path 184 from thesurgical site into the applicator 52, through the suction line 50 andinto fitting 180. From fitting 180, the waste stream travels through thepiston specifically through recess 312, into aperture 314, through thehollow interior cavity 301. The waste then flows out through pistonaperture 316 and cassette discharge port 250 into conduit 59. Fromconduit 59, the waste stream flows into canister 38. This mode ofoperation is referred to as the bypass mode because the suction fluidcommunication path 184 bypasses tissue trap 350.

Liquid and solid components of the waste stream that enter the canister36 or 38 precipitate out of the stream and are held in the canister 36and 38 for final disposal.

Activation of peristaltic pump 70 results in irrigation fluid beingpumped along an irrigation fluid communication path 182 from irrigationsource 72, through irrigation line 162, irrigation connector 150, pumptube 280, irrigation fitting 181, irrigation line 51 and into theapplicator 52 for application at the surgical site.

A user can elect to collect a tissue sample such as a polyp usingcassette 200. Cassette 200 is placed in a tissue collection mode byrepositioning piston 300 within sleeve 240.

A user manually inserts tissue trap 350 into sleeve 240 such that piston300 is displaced distally away from screen 350 and further into sleeve240. Centering features 362 and 364 guide tissue trap 350 into flange308 of piston 300 and into abutting contact with panel 306.

This position is shown in FIG. 2, where piston 300 is located toward theproximal end 245 of sleeve 240. When tissue trap 350 is fully insertedinto sleeve 240, flange 358 abuts cassette proximal end 244. This is thetissue collection position. In the tissue collection position, tissuetrap 350 is aligned such that cavity 360 is aligned under the opening offitting 180 and aperture 366 is aligned with cassette discharge port 250thereby allowing fluid flow through piston tissue trap 350. In thetissue collection position, piston 300 is not part of the fluidcommunication path.

When the system is in the tissue collection mode, the waste stream isdrawn along a suction fluid communication path 184 from the surgicalsite into the applicator 52, through the suction line 50 and intofitting 180. This waste stream includes the tissue sample 398 entrainedin the suction applicator 52 as a result of suction draw through theapplicator. From fitting 180, the waste stream travels through cavity360, screen 368, aperture 366 and aperture 250 into conduit 59. Fromconduit 59, the waste stream flows into canister 38. The tissue sample398 is trapped by the screen 368 within tissue trap 350. This mode ofoperation is referred to as the tissue collection mode because thesuction fluid communication path 184 travels through tissue trap 350. Itis noted that in order to collect samples in the tissue collection mode,it is not required to disconnect or re-connect the suction line 50.

The plastic from which the tissue trap 350 is formed from is at leastpartially transparent allowing a user to view the tissue sample 398. Thetissue sample 398 is illuminated within tissue trap 350 by light source129.

Tissue trap 350 is removed from sleeve 240 by a user activating linearactuator 80. Alternatively, tissue trap 350 can be removed by a usermanually pulling on tissue trap 350 or by the use of a lever or springmechanism (not shown). The user presses an input device such as a buttonon control panel 196 to activate actuator 80. Actuator 80 drives shaft82 in a linear manner pushing on piston 300 and causing piston 300 tomove from proximal end 245 towards distal end 244 of sleeve 240. Themovement of piston 300 causes tissue trap 350 to move out from bore 246of sleeve 240 where the user may grasp tissue trap 350. With the returnof the piston to the proximal position, the system is consideredreturned to the bypass mode.

If at a later time during the procedure, the practitioner believes ituseful to collect another tissue sample, another trap 350 can beinserted into bore 246 of sleeve 240 in order to collect another tissuesample. Multiple tissue samples may be collected using multiple tissuetraps 350. Multiple tissue samples can be collected withoutdisconnection or re-connection of the suction line 50 during theprocedure.

It should be appreciated that another feature of this invention is thatthe system can be switched between the bypass and tissue collectionmodes of operation without having to, during this transition, deactivatethe suction pump. This means that when performing tissue collectionusing this invention, the overall length of time to perform theprocedure is not lengthened by the need to have take the time requiredto repeatedly turn the suction pump 58 on and off.

After removing tissue trap 350 from cassette 200, the user places tissuetrap 350 into specimen container 380 where it is submerged intopreservative solution 389 thereby covering tissue sample 398 as seen inFIG. 14. The user places cap 390 over specimen container 380. Capretainer 392 aligns threads 391 and 387. As cap 390 is rotated ontospecimen container 380, tabs 394 break separating cap 390 from capretainer 392. A user can then pull on arm 395 to remove cap retainer 392from specimen container 380. The specimen container 380 is sent to apathology lab for analysis.

Once the medical/surgical procedure is completed, and use of the mobileunit 30 is no longer required, suction line 50 and irrigation line 51may be disconnected from fittings 180 and 181, respectively andirrigation coupler 150 may be disconnected from receptacle 102. Cassette200 is removed from receptacle 102. After cassette 200 is removed fromreceptacle 102, door 136 closes passage 118. When door 136 is in theclosed position, foot 141 covers conduit 59 sealing the entrance toconduit 59. The closing of the passage 118 substantially eliminatesleakage of any waste material remaining in the receptacle 102. Cassette200 is disposed of as medical waste.

After use, the mobile unit 30 is coupled to a docker (not illustratedand not part of this invention.) Waste material in the canister 36 or 38is flowed through the docker to a treatment facility.

The outlet fitting 158 forms a seal with body 262 at inlet port 268.These components are dimensioned so that, when mated together, the feet264 apply a spring force to body 262 biasing inlet port 268 againstoutlet fitting 158. The compression of these two components against eachother forms a substantially fluid tight barrier between thesecomponents. Thus, the need to provide an O-ring or other sealing elementis eliminated. This simplifies the manufacture of cassette 200.

It should likewise be recognized that in versions of the invention, theplastic from which the tissue trap 350 and specimen container 380 areformed from are at least partially transparent. This provides medicalpersonnel with a quick means to verify that the tissue sample has beencollected. Further cassette 200 is formed from materials that are atleast partially transparent. This provides medical personnel with aquick means to verify that the cassette has not been previously used anddoes not contain previously collected waste.

III. Second Embodiment A. Receptacle

Turning now to FIGS. 15-17, details of a second manifold assembly 400that can be employed as part of the waste and tissue collections systemof this invention are illustrated. Manifold assembly 400 includesreceptacle 410, cassette 420, and tissue trap 598. Tissue trap 598includes a specimen container 650 in which a tissue filter 600 isseated. Receptacle 402 is similar to receptacle 102 described in thefirst embodiment. Receptacle 410 in the second embodiment has differentdimensions including height, length and width than receptacle 102.Receptacle 410 also includes a curved rear panel 402 that defines arecess 404 distal to rear panel 402. Door 136 of FIG. 15 does notinclude a foot 141 as was shown in the receptacle 102 of FIG. 3.

With additional reference to FIGS. 1A and 15B, attached to canister cap42 of canister 38 is a manifold assembly 400. Manifold assembly 400includes a receptacle 410 and a cassette 420. Cassette 420 is removablyseated in receptacle 410. As described below, cassette 420 is formedwith a number of fittings 490 and 181. Fitting 490 can receive a suctionline 50 and fitting 181 can receive an irrigation line 51. The distalend of each suction line 50 and irrigation line 51 is attached to asuction applicator colonoscope 52. (Here, “distal”, refers to towardsthe surgical site at which the suction is applied and “proximal” meansaway from the surgical site.) In FIG. 1A, suction applicator 52 isdiagrammatically shown as a hand piece specifically and solely designedto apply suction and irrigation, it should be understood that this isexemplary, not limiting. Sometimes the suction applicator 52 is builtinto another surgical tool, such as a colonoscope biopsy tool orablation tool, applied to a surgical site to accomplish a task otherthan applying suction and irrigation.

Internal to cap 42 is conduit 59. Conduit 59 functions as a fluidcommunications path from the receptacle 410 into the canister 36 or 38with which the receptacle is associated. The suction fluid channel 454within cassette 420 exits from the rear of cassette 420 and receptacle410 into horizontally oriented conduit 59 located at the back of cavity64.

Also part of mobile unit 30 is a suction pump 58 and peristaltic pump70. Conduits 59 and 60, (shown as dashed lines in FIG. 1A) connect eachcanister 36 and 38 to the inlet port of the suction pump 58. Whensuction pump 58 is actuated, the resultant suction draws matter into theapplicator 52 and through the associated suction line 50, cassette andreceptacle.

A continuous suction fluid communication path 184 is formed fromapplicator 52 to suction pump 58. The waste stream flows from thereceptacle 410 into the associated canister 36. Liquid and small solidbits of matter entrained in this flow stream precipitate out of thestream into the canister 38. This waste is thus stored in the canister36 until the canister is emptied. Gas and any small bits of matterentrained in this flow stream flow from the canister towards the suctionpump 58.

As seen in FIG. 2, cap 42 is formed to have a solid cap head 63 thatprojects upwardly from the top surface of the base of the cap. A cavity64 is defined in cap head 63. Receptacle 410 is mounted in cavity 64.Receptacle 410 is secured to cavity 64 with the panels of receptacle 410in contact with the interior panels of cap head 63. Cassette 420 isremovably retained within receptacle 410. Irrigation fitting 180 andsuction fitting 490 extend distally away from cassette 420.

Peristaltic pump 70 is coupled with irrigation line 51 such thatrotation of peristaltic pump 70 forces irrigation liquid from anirrigation liquid source 72 through irrigation line 162, cassette 200and irrigation line 51 to applicator 52 where it is supplied to asurgical site. Peristaltic pump 70 comprises a rotary electric motor 71that is connected to eccentric rollers 74. Peristaltic pump 70 cansupply irrigation fluid to applicator 52 as will be described later inmore detail. A continuous irrigation fluid communication path 182 isformed from irrigation liquid source 72 to applicator 52.

B. Cassette

With additional reference to FIGS. 18A-F and 19, cassette 420 isgenerally square in shape and comprises a housing 422 that has twopieces, an upper housing 424 and an opposed lower housing 426. While thehousing is illustrated using two pieces, it is contemplated that housing422 can be formed as a single unitary part. Upper housing 424 and lowerhousing 426 are mated together to form housing 422. A cavity 423 isdefined within housing 422 between upper housing 424 and lower housing426. Upper housing 424 includes a planar top panel 427, front panel 428,curved back panel 430, and side panels 432, and 434. Panels 428, 430,432, and 434 extend perpendicularly away from top panel 427. A nose 435extends outwardly from the center of front panel 428. A U-shaped opening436 is located in front panel 428 towards panel 432. A U-shaped opening437 is located in front panel 428 towards panel 434. A U-shaped opening438 is located in nose 435. A U-shaped opening 439 is located in rearpanel 430. Cassette 420 is formed from any suitable material such asinjection molded plastic.

Lower housing 426 includes a planar bottom panel 442, front panel 444,curved back panel 446, back panel 450 and side panels 447 and 448.Panels 444, 446, 447 and 448 extend perpendicularly away from bottompanel 442 and each have a beveled edge 449 except for back panel 446.

A pair of interior support panels, 452 and 453, extend between frontpanel 444 and back panel 450 adjacent to and spaced from panel 448.Interior support panels 452 and 453 are generally parallel to each otherand extend perpendicularly away from bottom panel 442. Interior supportpanels 452 and 453 define a channel 454. Support panels, 452 and 453have ends 456 and 457, respectively that make a ninety degree bendadjacent and slightly spaced from panel 444 and extend parallel withpanel 444 and terminate at end 459 toward the center of panel 444. Anaperture 458 is located in back panel 450 and is in fluid communicationwith channel 454. Aperture 478 extends through bottom panel 442 at end459. Aperture 478 is in fluid communication with channel 454. Asecondary suction fitting 490 extends through and outwardly from frontpanel 444. Secondary suction fitting 490 is in fluid communication withchannel 454. Secondary suction fitting 490 is coupled to an optionalsecond suction line (not shown) and is sealed off with a cap 491 (FIG.15) when not in use.

Another pair of interior support panels, 460 and 461, extend in asinuous manner between curved back panel 446 and a location adjacent topanel 447 and spaced from panel 447. Interior support panels 460 and 461are spaced apart generally equal to each other and extendperpendicularly away from bottom panel 442. Interior support panels 460and 461 define a first irrigation tube channel 462.

An additional pair of interior support panels, 464 and 465, extend for ashort distance between curved back panel 446 and a location adjacent topanel 447. Interior support panels 464 and 465 are generally paralleland extend perpendicularly away from bottom panel 442. Interior supportpanels 464 and 465 define a second irrigation tube channel 466.

An identification device 376 (FIG. 16) is attached to top panel 427 ofupper housing 424. Identification device 376 any suitable identificationdevice such as a radio frequency identification (RFID) device, a barcode, a magnetic strip or other memory device. The identification devicecan contain information such as set-up information, expirationinformation and controls for re-use or reprocessing.

With reference to FIG. 19, a generally rectangular opening 468 islocated in front panel 444. An irrigation connector 470 is locatedwithin a corner of cassette 420 adjacent to panel 447 and opening 468.Irrigation connector 470 has a panel 472 that extends perpendicularlyupward from bottom panel 442. A tapered nozzle 474 extends in a distaldirection away from panel 472 and a tapered nozzle 475 extends in aproximal direction away from panel 472 towards opening 468. Irrigationfitting 512 extends through opening 468 and is connected with nozzle475.

A circular boss 480 extends outwardly from front panel 444 anddownwardly from bottom panel 442. Boss 480 has a generally horizontaltop panel 482 and a generally vertical curved side 484. Side panel 484is perpendicular to top panel 482. Side panel 484 and top panel 482define an annular cavity 488 (FIG. 17) therein. A fitting 486 extendsupwardly from top panel 482 and outwardly from side panel 484. Tissuedeposit port 489 extends through top panel 482.

Returning to FIGS. 18A-F, a sinuous shaped pump tube 500 has ends 502and 504, sections 505 and 506 and curved pump section 508. Pump tube 500is retained within cassette 420 between upper housing 424 and lowerhousing 426. Pump tube 500 can be formed from any suitable material suchas plastic or silicone rubber. End 504 is press fit over tapered nozzle474. Section 505 is positioned and retained within channel 462 betweenpanels 460 and 461. Section 506 is positioned and retained withinchannel 466 between panels 464 and 465. Curved pump section 508 islocated adjacent to and extends along the outer surface of curved backpanel 446. The rotating peristaltic pump roller 74 (FIG. 2) is adaptedto movably press on and squeeze curved pump section 508 between pumproller 74 and curved back panel 446. End 502 is press fit over a ninetydegree elbow fitting 514. Elbow fitting 514 is located inwardly adjacentto panel 447. Elbow fitting 514 turns downward to extend through panel426 at aperture 510 (FIG. 17). Pump tube 500 provides a fluidcommunication path for irrigation liquid to flow from irrigation coupler150 to irrigation fitting 512.

An elongated L-shaped cover 516 rests on panels 452, 453, 456 and 457and provides a fluid seal for channel 454. Cover 516 has a top panel 517and side panels 518. Side panels 518 extend over and partially downpanels 452, 453, 456 and 457. Cover 516 has a proximal end 519positioned toward back panel 450 and a distal end 520 positioned towardfront panel 444. A duct 522 is located at distal end 520 below top panel517. Duct 522 is positioned through aperture 458 and extends intochannel 454. Duct 522 is in fluid communication with channel 454.

Upper housing 424 and lower housing 426 are mated together to formhousing 422 of cassette 420. Housings 424 and 426 are retained to eachother by press-fitting or snap fitting the two housing sectionstogether. Alternatively, housings 424 and 426 can be retained by anadhesive or welding. When housings 424 and 426 are pressed together tomate, beveled edges 450 force panels 444, 447, and 448 to be seatedinwardly of panels 428, 432 and 434, respectively.

Cassette 420 further includes a valve assembly 530. Valve assembly 530comprises valve member 532, retaining ring 560 and knurled knob 580. Asseen in FIGS. 20A-20D, valve member 532 has a generally cylindricalshape with a top face 534, bottom face 535 and side surface 536. A rim537 extends circumferentially outward from top face 534 extendingslightly over side surface 536. An opposed pair of parallel spaced apartsteps 538 are defined in bottom face 535. Bores 540 and 542 extendthrough valve member 532 between top face 534 and bottom face 535.Curved slot 544 is defined in top face 534 and is coextensive with bore542.

Bypass channel 550 is defined in top face 534 and extends substantiallyacross the width of top face 534. Bypass channel 550 is defined by acentral groove 552 and partial bores 554 and 556. Partial bores 554 and556 extend partially into valve member perpendicularly from top face534. Central groove 552 is coextensive with partial bores 554 and 556.

Turning to FIG. 19, annular ring 560 has an upper outer surface 562 anda tapered lower outer surface 564, rim 565, inner surface 566, bottomside 567 and annular step 568. Hole 570 is defined in ring 580. Annularstep 568 extends partially into hole 570.

Knurled knob 580 includes a bottom panel 582 and an annular side panel584. Side panel 584 extends perpendicularly from bottom panel 582. Aseries of knurled portions or ribs 585 extend circumferentially aroundthe outer surface of side panel 584. A user may grasp knurled portionsor ribs 585 with their hand. Opening 586 is defined in bottom panel 582.Recess 587 is defined in the front face of side panel 584. A notch 589is defined in the front face of side panel 584 above recess 587. Aseries of projections 588 extend perpendicularly upward from bottompanel 582 and are arrayed around opening 586. Projections 588 areflexible and are angled slightly inwardly toward opening 586. A lip 590is located at the distal end of each projection 588 and extends inwardlyfrom projection 588. A pair of opposed spaced apart L-shaped rails 592(seen in FIG. 17) extend below the bottom surface of bottom panel 582.

With reference now to FIGS. 15, 17, 19 and 20A, valve assembly 530 isattached to boss 480. Valve member 532 is seated in cavity 488 with topface 534 located adjacent the bottom of panel 482 and panel 442. Rim 537is in contact with the inside of panel 484. Annular step 568 of ring 560surrounds and is in contacting support with annular step 538 of valvemember 532. Inner surface 566 of ring 560 is in contact with the outsideof panel 484. Bottom panel 582 supports the bottom 567 of ring 560.Bottom face 535 extends through opening 586. Projections 588 grasp ring560 with lip 590 extending over rim 565.

When knob 580 is pressed against ring 560, projections 588 flexoutwardly and slide in contact with surfaces 562 and 564 until lip 590moves over rim 565 and projections 588 flex inwardly grasping ring 560.Projections 588 squeeze ring 560 against boss 480 holding valve assembly530 to housing 422. Valve member 532 is rotated by a user grasping knob580 thereby rotating the entire valve assembly 530 relative to boss 480.

With reference to FIGS. 21A-21F, a tissue filter 600 is shown. Tissuefilter 600 is generally cylindrical in shape. Other shapes such asround, oval or square can be utilized. Tissue filter 600 can be formedfrom any suitable material such as low durometer plastic orthermoplastic elastomer. Tissue filter 600 can be formed from atransparent material such that the contents may be viewed by a user.Tissue filter 600 is defined by a top panel 602. An annular side panel604 extends perpendicularly away from the bottom of top panel 602 with asmaller diameter than top panel 602 and defines a circumferential flange606. A lip 611, best viewed in FIG. 17, extends circumferentiallyoutward from the bottom of side panel 604. Arc shaped verticallyoriented side panels 608 and 609 depend downwardly from annular sidepanel 604. A U-shaped spaced vertically oriented panel 610 dependsdownwardly from annular side panel 604.

Panels 608, 609 and 610 define a reservoir 612 (FIG. 22D). In oneembodiment, reservoir 612 can contain a preservative solution 389 (FIG.22D) such as formalin or other suitable preservative solution. Inanother embodiment, the preservative solution is omitted. Preservativesolution 389 is sealed within reservoir 612 by a foil or plastic seal614.

U-shaped spaced vertically oriented panel 610 defines a rectangularshaped cavity 616. A rectangular shaped screen 618 is mounted in cavity616 and is attached to panels 608 and 610. Screen 618 is spaced slightlyfrom a distal end 620 in cavity 616. An opening 622 is located in toppanel 602 and is continuous with cavity 616.

Circumferential flange 606 has a pair of parallel edges 623 and 624located on opposite sides of top panel 602 and a pair of curved edges626 and 627 located on opposite sides of top panel 602. Tab 630 extendsupwardly from flange 606 adjacent to edge 627. Tab 630 is an alignmentfeature that prevents the backward insertion of tissue filter 600 intovalve assembly 530. Tab 630 passes into notch 589 when tissue filter 600is inserted into valve assembly 530.

A duct 632 has a proximal end 634 and distal end 636. Duct 632 isoriented generally parallel to and partially surrounded by panel 609.Proximal end 634 extends through side panel 604 and terminates at toppanel 602. Distal end 636 extends slightly beyond and below end 620.Bore 638 extends through duct 632.

FIGS. 22A-22D illustrate a specimen container or jar 650. Specimencontainer or jar 650 has a generally cylindrical shape with an outerpanel 652, a bottom panel 653. A pair of planar diametrically opposedspaced apart grasping sections 654 are located in outer panel 652 onopposing sides of specimen container 650. A compartment 658 is definedwithin specimen container 650. Specimen container 650 is formed from atransparent material such that the contents of compartment 658 may beviewed by a user through a single flat wall. The planar shape of thewall substantially eliminates the visual distortion of the contents ofthe compartment.

An annular flange 666 extends peripherally upward and outward from panel652. Annular threads 668 are defined in the outer face of flange 666.Circular cap 680 has annular threads 682 located on an inner surface ofside panel 683. Cap 680 is attached to specimen container 650 by therotation of cap 680 relative to specimen container 650 to mate threads668 and 682.

Cap 680 is removably retained to specimen container 650 by a capretainer 683. Cap retainer 683 has an elongated arm 685 having aproximal end 686 removably attached to flange 666 and a distal end 687attached to arc shaped rib 693. Rib 693 is connected to cap 680 by tabs694. Tabs 694 provide a weak connection between rib 693 and cap 680.

An identification device 376 is attached to cap 680. Identificationdevice 376 is any suitable identification device such as a radiofrequency identification (RFID) device, a bar code, a magnetic strip orother memory device. The identification device can contain informationsuch as: set-up information; expiration information; patient or specimentracking; and data regarding re-use or reprocessing.

Tissue sample 398 can be a wide variety of tissue specimens. For exampletissue sample 398 can be a biopsy sample from a body location or a polypfrom a colon. Tissue filter 600 will slide into compartment 658 untillip 611 engages side panels 652 thereby providing a resistive force tofurther insertion of tissue filter 600 into compartment 658.

Tissue trap 598 is removably coupled to valve assembly 530. The trap 598is inserted by pushing tissue filter 600 and specimen container 650horizontally into recess 587 such that edges 623 and 624 slide into andalong L-shaped rails 592. Tissue trap 598 hangs below valve assembly530. Tissue trap 598 is removed from valve assembly 530 by pullingtissue filter 600 and specimen container 650 horizontally away fromvalve assembly 530 such that edges 623 and 624 slide out from L-shapedrails 592. Tissue trap 598 is inserted and removed from cassette 420 asa single unit.

A user places cap 680 over tissue filter 600. Cap retainer 683 alignsthreads threads 668 and 682. When cap 680 is rotated relative tospecimen container 650, Inner surface 696 of cap 680 contacts top panel602. Rotation of cap 680 forces tissue filter 600 to move downwardlyinto compartment 658. Side panel 604 and lip 611 flex inwardly and slidealong specimen container panel 652 until distal end 636 contacts bottompanel 653. As tissue filter 600 moves downwardly into compartment 658,pointed tip 698 mounted to bottom panel 653 punctures the foil orplastic seal 614 releasing preservative solution 389 to cover tissuesample 398 as seen in FIG. 17.

As cap 680 is rotated onto specimen container 650, tabs 694 breakseparating cap 680 from cap retainer 683. A user can then pull on arm685 to remove cap retainer 683 from specimen container 650.

C. Operation

Referring to FIGS. 1A-C and 15-19, mobile unit 30 (FIG. 1A) is preparedfor use inserting the cassette 420 into the complementary receptacle 410of manifold assembly 400 associated with the canister 36 or 38 in whichthe waste drawn from the surgical site is to be collected. This step isperformed by inserting the cassette 420 into the receptacle 410 so thatback panel 431 is directed to open door 136. Cassette 420 slides intopassage 118 until back panel 431 contacts rear panel 110. In thisposition, duct 522 seats against and in fluid communication with suctionconduit 59 (FIG. 15B). Curved tubing section 508 is pressed againstperistaltic pump roller 74 such that the rotation of roller 74 forcesirrigation fluid through pump tube 500. RFID reader 194 recognizesidentification device 376 such as an RFID tag and sends a signal tocontroller 192 to allow operation of mobile unit 30 when cassette 420 isseated in receptacle 410.

Irrigation line 162 is connected between irrigation fluid source 72 andirrigation connector 150. Irrigation coupler 150 is inserted into slot132. A user inserts the irrigation coupler 150 by grasping handle 154and guiding distal end 153 towards slot 132 such that beveled sides 156engage grooves 135. Continued pushing of handle 154 towards receptacle102 using manual force causes beveled sides 156 to slide along grooves135 until the irrigation coupler 150 is fully seated within slot 132. Inthis position, fitting 158 makes a connection through aperture 510 toelbow fitting 514. Outlet fitting 158 is then in fluid communicationwith pump tube 500.

The suction line 50 integral with the suction applicator 52 is attachedto suction line 50 to fitting 486. If the suction applicator is alsoable to provide irrigating fluid, irrigating line 51 is attached tofitting 512. Cassette 420 is set in a mode of operation by the settingof knob 580. This results in the corresponding rotation of valve member532. Often the knob 580 is set so that valve member 532 is rotated to abypass position. In the bypass position, valve member 532 is alignedsuch that bore 554 is aligned with the outlet opening of fitting 486internal to boss 480. Simultaneously, this results in the alignment ofvalve member bore 556 aligned with boss aperture 478. When the suctionis drawn, this results in the fluid stream flowing from fitting 486thereby allowing fluid flow through bypass channel 550.

Mobile unit 30 is actuated by activating the suction pump 58. Activationof suction pump 58 results in a waste stream being drawn along a suctionfluid communication path 184 from the surgical site into the applicator52, through the suction line 50 and into fitting 486. This waste streamincludes liquid and solid waste to which the suction applicator 52 isapplied as well as air adjacent the applicator 52. When the cassette isin the above described bypass mode, waste travels from fitting 486travels through bypass channel 550, through aperture 478 into channel454 and through duct 522 into conduit 59. From conduit 59, the wastestream flows into the canister 38.

Activation of peristaltic pump 70 results in irrigation fluid beingpumped along an irrigation fluid communication path 182 from irrigationsource 72, through irrigation line 162, irrigation connector 150, pumptube 500, irrigation connector 472, irrigation fitting 512, irrigationline 51 and into the applicator 52 for application at the surgical site.

A user can elect to collect a tissue sample such as a polyp usingcassette 420. Cassette 420 is placed in a tissue collection mode byrotating knob 580. This results in the corresponding rotation of valvemember 532. When valve member 532 is in the tissue collection position,the valve member is aligned such that valve member bore 540 is alignedwith the opening of fitting 485 within boss 480. The positioning of thevalve member in this position also results in the alignment of valvemember bore 542 with aperture 478.

When the system is in the tissue collection mode, waste and an entrainedtissue sample is drawn along a suction fluid communication path 184 fromthe surgical site into the applicator 52, through the suction line 50and into fitting 486. From fitting 486, the waste stream travels throughbore 540, cavity 616, screen 618, bore 638, bore 542, slot 545, aperture478 into channel 454 and through duct 522 into conduit 59. From conduit59, the waste stream flows into canister 38. Tissue sample 398 istrapped by the screen 618 within tissue filter 600. This mode ofoperation is referred to as the tissue collection mode because thesuction fluid communication path 184 travels through tissue filter 600.It is noted that in order to collect samples in the tissue collectionmode, it is not required to disconnect or re-connect the suction line50.

Cassette 420 and tissue trap 598 may also be used to collect tissueextracted from the patient using instruments such as forceps. To performthis collection, knob 580 is rotated to an extracted tissue capturemode. The rotation of the knob into the position associated with thismode, results in the rotation of valve member 532 so that bore 540 isaligned with tissue deposit port 489. Slot 544 is aligned with aperture478. Valve member bore 542 aligns with aperture 478 and tissue depositport 489 aligned with slot 544. When the valve member 532 is in thisposition, no suction is drawn through fitting 486. Suction is drawn onthe ambient environment through the tissue deposit port 489.

When the system is in the extracted tissue capture mode, the instrumentused to extract the tissue is withdrawn from the patient. The distal endof the instrument, with the attached tissue, is inserted into tissuedeposit port 489. The suction drawn through port 489 pulls the tissueoff the instrument and draws the tissue into tissue trap container 650.As with any tissue drawn into container 650, movement of the tissue outof the container is blocked by tissue filter 600.

Tissue trap 598 is removably coupled to valve assembly 530. Prior toremoval of the tissue trap 598, knob 580 is rotated back to the bypassposition to remove filter 600 and specimen container 650 from thesuction communication path.

Tissue trap 598 is removed from cassette 420 as a single unit. The trap598 is removed from valve assembly 530 by pulling tissue filter 600 andspecimen container 650 horizontally away from valve assembly 530.Another tissue trap 598 can be inserted to collect another tissue sampleby pushing the trap container 650 horizontally into recess 587 such thatedges 623 and 624 slide into L-shaped rails 592. Knob 580 is thenrotated back to the tissue sample collection position in order tocollect another tissue sample. Multiple tissue samples may be collectedusing multiple tissue traps 600.

During this process of removing one tissue trap 598 from the cassette420 and attaching a new trap 598, there is no need to turn off thesuction pump 58. In other words, the new tissue traps 598 can beattached to the cassette 420 without disrupting the suction draw appliedto the suction applicator.

A user places cap 680 over tissue filter 600. Cap retainer 683 alignsthreads threads 668 and 682. When cap 680 is rotated relative tospecimen container 650, Inner surface 696 of cap 680 contacts top panel602. Rotation of cap 680 forces tissue filter 600 to move downwardlyinto compartment 658. Side panel 604 and lip 611 flex inwardly and slidealong specimen container panel 652 until distal end 636 contacts bottompanel 653. As tissue filter 600 moves downwardly into compartment 658,pointed tips 698 mounted to bottom panel 653 punctures foil or plasticseal 614 releasing preservative solution 389 to cover tissue sample 398as seen in FIG. 17.

As cap 680 is rotated onto specimen container 650, tabs 694 breakseparating cap 680 from cap retainer 683. A user can then pull on arm685 to remove cap retainer 683 from specimen container 650.

Once the medical/surgical procedure is completed, and use of the mobileunit 30 is no longer required, suction line 50 and irrigation line 51may be disconnected from fittings 486 and 512, respectively andirrigation coupler 150 may be disconnected from the receptacle 410.Cassette 420 is removed from receptacle 102. After cassette 420 isremoved from receptacle 410, door 136 closes passage 118. The closing ofthe passage 118 substantially eliminates leakage of any waste materialremaining in the receptacle 410. Cassette 420 is disposed of as medicalwaste.

The outlet fitting 158 forms a seal with bottom panel 426 at aperture510. These components are dimensioned so that, when mated together theoutlet fitting 158 presses against bottom panel 426. The compression ofthese two components against each other forms a substantially fluidtight barrier between these components. Thus, the need to provide anO-ring or other sealing element is eliminated. This simplifies themanufacture of cassette 420.

It should likewise be recognized that in versions of the invention, theplastic from which the tissue filter 600 and specimen container 650 areformed from are at least partially transparent. This provides medicalpersonnel with a quick means to verify that the tissue sample has beencollected. Further cassette 420 is formed from materials that are atleast partially transparent. This provides medical personnel with aquick means to verify that the cassette has not been previously used anddoes not contain previously collected waste.

IV. Third Embodiment A. Receptacle

Turning to FIGS. 23-25, a third manifold assembly 700 that can beemployed as part of the waste and tissue collection system of thisinvention are illustrated. Manifold assembly 700 comprises a receptacle702 and cassette 800. Receptacle 702 is shown generally square in shape.Other shapes such as round, oval or square can be utilized.

Receptacle 702 is defined by five exterior panels including parallel andspaced apart generally horizontally oriented top and bottom panels 705and 706; parallel and spaced apart generally vertically oriented panels707 and 708; and a generally vertically oriented rear panel 709.Receptacle 702 has a proximal end 710 and a distal end 712. Bottom panel706 defines a cutout portion 714 that is located towards proximal end710. Receptacle 702 can be formed from any suitable material such asinjection molded plastic.

Receptacle 702 defines a horizontally oriented cavity or passage 716.The cavity or passage 716 extends across the width of receptacle 702 andextends into receptacle 702 to rear panel 709. A generally round opening720 is defined in top panel 705 towards rear panel 709. Opening 722extends through rear panel 709 at distal end 712 adjacent to panel 708.A pair of parallel diametrically opposed elongated spaced apart grooves724 are defined in each of the interior surfaces of panels 707 and 708.Grooves 724 face cavity or passage 716. Top panel 705 defines a pair ofadjacent and coextensive notches 746 and 748 at proximal end 710. Notch746 extends slightly further into top panel 705 than notch 748.

Several holes extend through top panel 705. Holes 760, 762, 764, 766,768 and 770 pass through top panel 705 into cavity 716. A wax motor orlinear actuator 80 is mounted above each of holes 760-770, only one ofwhich is shown in FIG. 24B. One end of rod 81 is connected to actuator80 and the other rounded end of rod 81 rests on pinch valve 872. Rod 81extends through top panel 705 to contact pinch valve 872.

Irrigation coupler 730 provides a fluid connection between a source ofirrigation liquid such as water bottle 1500 and cassette 800. Irrigationcoupler 730 extends away from and below bottom side or surface 706towards proximal end 710 and adjacent to panel 707. Irrigation coupler730 has a generally rectangular shaped body 732 with a proximal end 734and distal end 736. A pair of generally parallel arms 738 extend towardsproximal end 734 and define a slot 742 there between. Diametricallyopposed grooves 740 are defined in the interior surfaces of each of arms738 facing slot 742. A finger 744 is located in each arm 738 and extendsinto groove 740.

B. Cassette

Turning now to FIGS. 26 and 27, details of cassette 800 are illustrated.Cassette 800 is generally rectangular in shape and comprises a housing822 that has three pieces, an upper housing 824, an opposed lowerhousing 826 and a rubber sheet 1000 that is disposed between upperhousing 824 and lower housing 826. While the housing is illustratedusing two pieces, it is contemplated that housing 822 can be formed as asingle unitary part. Upper housing 824, rubber sheet 1000 and lowerhousing 826 are mated together to form housing 822. A cavity 827 isdefined within housing 822 between upper housing 824 and lower housing826.

Upper housing 824 includes a planar top panel 828, front panel 829, backpanel 830, and side panels 832, and 834. Panels 828, 829, 830, 832 and834 extend perpendicularly away from top panel 828. Upper housing 824has a proximal end 835 and a distal end 836. Tapered sections 837 aredefined in each of panels 832 and 834, respectively at distal end 836.Tapered sections 831 guide housing 822 into receptacle 702 during theinsertion of cassette 800. Cassette 800 can be formed from any suitablematerial such as injection molded plastic. In an embodiment, cassette800 is formed from a material that is transparent.

As shown in FIGS. 26, 27 and 30A-30C, a flexible tab 838 is defined byU-shaped slit 840 in top panel 828. A projection 841 extends upwardlyfrom flexible tab 838 and a series of parallel ribs 842 extend upwardlyfrom flexible tab 838 and are oriented perpendicular to the longitudinalaxis of flexible tab 838. Flexible tab 838 is slightly displaced usingmanual depression applied by a user. An angled face 844 slopesdownwardly in top panel 828 adjacent to flexible tab 838 toward frontpanel 829 and ends approximately in the center of front panel 829 aboveU-shaped opening 846. Angled face 844 is transparent.

Another U-shaped opening 847 is located in front panel 829 adjacent topanel 834. An additional U-shaped opening 848 is located in front panel829 adjacent to panel 835. A shallow notch 849 is defined in panel 829between openings 846 and 848. Yet another U-shaped opening 852 islocated in rear panel 830 adjacent to panel 834.

Referring to FIGS. 30A-30C, six pinch valves are defined in top panel828. The pinch valves are flexible and are be downwardly depressed by adevice such as a solenoid or wax motor (not shown). Irrigation supplypinch valve 860 is defined in top panel 828 by a generally U-shaped slit862. Irrigation supply pinch valve 860 has a downwardly extending finger864 that faces into cavity 827.

Instruments rinsing irrigation pinch valve 866 is defined in top panel828 by a generally U-shaped slit 868. Instruments rinsing irrigationpinch valve 860 has a downwardly extending finger 870 that faces intocavity 827.

Suction bypass pinch valve 872 is defined in top panel 828 by agenerally U-shaped slit 874. Suction bypass pinch valve 872 has adownwardly extending finger 876 that faces into cavity 827. Tissuecollection suction pinch valve 878 is defined in top panel 828 by agenerally U-shaped slit 880. Tissue collection suction pinch valve 878has a downwardly extending finger 882 that faces into cavity 827.

Another tissue collection suction pinch valve 884 is defined in toppanel 828 by a generally U-shaped slit 886. Tissue collection suctionpinch valve 884 has a downwardly extending finger 888 that faces intocavity 827. Forceps rinse suction pinch valve 890 is defined in toppanel 828 by a generally U-shaped slit 892. Forceps rinse suction pinchvalve 890 has a downwardly extending finger 894 that faces into cavity827.

Linear actuators 80 (FIG. 24B) can depress and open the pinch valves. InFIG. 24B, actuator 80 is shown connected to a rod 81 that is in contactwith pinch valve 872. Lowering of rod 81 causes finger 876 to contactsuction channel 1076. Suction channel 1076 is squeezed between finger876 and bottom panel 932 such that the flow of fluid through suctionchannel 1076 is cutoff. Raising of rod 81 causes the lifting of finger876 from suction channel 1076 allowing flow of fluid through suctionchannel 1076.

A curved panel portion 896 of top panel 828 defines a recess 897. Curvedpanel portion 896 begins at rear panel 830 and extends towards dome 898.Semi-circular dome 898 is defined in top panel 828. A semi-circular slot900 is defined in top panel 828 between dome 898 and curved panelportion 896.

A pair of curving spaced apart panels 902 and 903 extend from slot 900towards proximal end 835. Panels 902 and 903 are generally parallel toeach other and extend perpendicularly away from top panel 828 and definea channel 904. Another pair of spaced apart panels 905 and 906 arelocated between fingers 864 and 870, respectively. Panel 905 extendsperpendicularly from top panel 828 and joins with the proximal end ofpanel 903 to form channel 908. Panel 906 extends perpendicularly fromtop panel 828 and curves to end at angled face 844 and together withpanel 902 forms channel 910. Panel 911 is located between panels 902 and906 and is adjacent to angled face 844. Panel 911 extendsperpendicularly away from top panel 828. Panels 902, 911 and 906 definea pair of outlets 912 adjacent to angled face 844.

An additional pair of curving spaced apart panels 914 and 916 extendsfrom slot 900 towards finger 870 and terminates at panel 902. Panels 914and 916 are generally parallel to each other and extend perpendicularlyaway from top panel 828 and define a channel 917. Generally parallelspaced apart panels 918 and 919 extend substantially between proximalend 835 and distal end 836 adjacent to panel 834. Panels 918 and 919 aregenerally parallel to each other and extend perpendicularly away fromtop panel 828 and define a channel 920. Generally curving spaced apartpanels 926 and 927 form a V-shape and extend substantially between panel919 and panel 917. Panels 926 and 927 extend perpendicularly away fromtop panel 828 and define a channel 928. Channel 928 merges into channel920. A branch 922 angles off of channel 920 in the direction of finger888.

Turning now to FIGS. 26, 27 and 28A-28C, Lower housing 826 includes abase panel 930 having a top surface 932, bottom surface 934 and sides937 and 938. Lower housing 826 has a proximal end 935 and a distal end936. A post 940 extends perpendicularly from top surface 932 at thecorner of side 937 and distal end 936. A wedge shaped column 942 extendsperpendicularly from top surface 932 at the corner of side 938 anddistal end 936. Fitting 944 extends through column 942. Fitting 944 hasa tapered outward facing distal end 945 that contains an annular groove946 dimensioned to receive O-ring 947.

Another wedge shaped column 948 extends perpendicularly from top surface932 at the corner of side 938 and proximal end 935. Fitting 949 extendsthrough column 948. Fitting 949 has a tapered outward facing proximalend 950 that is dimensioned to receive suction line 50 (FIG. 1A). Anadditional wedge shaped column 952 extends perpendicularly from topsurface 932 at the corner of side 937 and proximal end 935. Fitting 954extends through column 952. Fitting 954 has an outward facing distal end955 that is dimensioned to receive irrigation line 51 (FIG. 1A). Aseries of cones or barbs 956 surround fitting 954 in order to retainirrigation line 51 to fitting 954. The wider base of barbs 956 facefront panel 935.

A fitting 958 extends perpendicularly from front panel surface 935.Recess 960 is defined in top surface 932 directly distal to fitting 958.A generally square stop 962 extends perpendicularly from top surface 932at proximal end 935 adjacent to recess 960. An angled panel 964 slopesupwardly from top surface 932 at a location adjacent to column 952 andterminates at a location adjacent to stop 962. Angled panel 964 definesgroove 990 in bottom surface 934. A recess 963 is defined in bottomsurface 934 below stop 962.

Angled panel 967 slopes upwardly from top surface 932 beginning at alocation near the center of lower housing 826 and terminating at dome968. Dome 968 extends distally away from top surface 932. Recess 969 isdefined in bottom surface 934 under angled panel 967 and dome 968.Furrow 966 is defined in top surface 932 are extends from column 952, upangled panel 967, around the outer perimeter of dome 968, down angledpanel 967 and terminates at aperture 970. Aperture 970 extends throughpanel 930.

A pair of parallel furrows 965 is defined in and extends along the widthof angled panel 964. Another furrow 972 is defined in top surface 932and extends between furrow 966 and furrows 965. Apertures 974 and 975are defined in and extend through panel 930. Furrow 976 is defined intop surface 932 and extends between columns 942 and 948. Furrow 976 iscoaxial and coextensive with fittings 949 and 945. Furrow 978 is definedin top surface 932 and extends between recess 960 and aperture 974.Furrow 980 is defined in top surface 932 and extends between furrow 976and aperture 974. Furrow 981 is defined in top surface 932 and extendsbetween furrow 976 and aperture 975.

A U-shaped semi-circular rail 982 extends perpendicularly away from andbelow bottom surface 934 towards proximal end 935 and adjacent to side938. Rail 982 has opposing ends 983 and an inward facing lip 984. Rail982 and bottom surface 934 define recess 985. A rounded boss 986 extendsfrom bottom surface 934 into recess 985 and surrounds aperture 975. Arecess 988 is defined in bottom surface 934 between rail 982 and side937 and surrounds aperture 970.

Turning to FIGS. 26, 27 and 29A-29C, details of flexible sheet 1000 areillustrated. Flexible sheet 1000 is sandwiched between upper housing 824and lower housing 826. Flexible sheet 1000 can be formed from anysuitable flexible material such as rubber or silicone rubber.

Flexible sheet 1000 includes a base panel 1030 having a top surface1032, bottom surface 1034 and sides 1037 and 1038. Flexible sheet 1000has a proximal end 1035 and a distal end 1036. An angled section 1042inclines distally away from top surface 1032 at the corner of side 1038and distal end 1036. Angled section 1042 overlies column 942. Anotherangled section 1044 inclines distally away from top surface 1032 at thecorner of side 1038 and proximal end 1035. Angled section 1044 overliescolumn 948. Still another angled section 1048 inclines distally awayfrom top surface 1032 at the corner of side 1037 and proximal end 1035.Angled section 1048 overlies column 952.

An angled panel 1067 slopes upwardly from top surface 1032 beginning ata location near the center of flexible sheet 1000 and terminating atdome 1068. Dome 1068 extends distally away from top surface 1032. Recess1069 is defined in bottom surface 1034 under angled panel 1067 and dome1068.

Panels 1051, 1052, 1053 and 1050 extend perpendicularly away from topsurface 1032 towards proximal end 1035 and define a instruments rinsingchamber 1050. Panels 1053 and 1052 slope downwardly from panel 1054 topanel 1051. A U-shaped port 1056 is defined in panel 1051.

An irrigation channel 1066 is defined in panel 1030 and opens towardsbottom surface 934. Irrigation channel 1066 extends from end 1069 inangled panel 1048, along angled panel 1067, around the outer perimeterof dome 1068, along angled panel 1067 and terminates at end 1070.

A set of parallel irrigation tubes 1065 is defined in panel 1030 andopens towards bottom surface 1034. Irrigation tubes 1065 extend alongthe width of an angled panel 1064 and terminate in instruments rinsingchamber 1050. Another irrigation tube 1072 is defined in panel 1030 andopens towards bottom surface 1034. Irrigation tube 1072 extends betweenirrigation tubes 1065 and irrigation channel 1076. Irrigation tubes1065, 1066 and 1072 are in fluid communication with each other.

Suction tube 1076 is defined in panel 1030 and opens towards bottomsurface 1034. Suction tube 1076 extends between angled sections 1044 and1046. Suction tube 1078 is defined in panel 1030 and opens towardsbottom surface 1034. Suction tube 1078 extends between a junction 1082and instruments rinsing chamber 1050. Suction tube 1080 is defined inpanel 1030 and opens towards bottom surface 1034. Suction tube 1080extends between suction tube 1076 and junction 1082. Instruments rinsingchamber 1050, suction tubes 1076, 1078 and 1080 are in fluidcommunication with each other. Suction tube 1081 extends between suctiontube 1076 and junction 1083. Suction tubes 1076 and 1081 are in fluidcommunication with each other.

A generally square stop 1086 extends perpendicularly from top surface1032 at proximal end 1035 adjacent to instruments rinsing chamber 1050.Recess 1088 is defined in bottom surface 1034 below stop 1086. A cap1090 is connected to a flexible arm 1092. Arm 1092 is connected toproximal end 1035 adjacent to angled panel 1064.

Upper housing 824 and lower housing 826 are mated together with rubbersheet 1000 there between to form housing 822 of cassette 800. Housings824 and 826 are retained to each other by press-fitting or snap fittingthe two housing sections together. In one embodiment, housings 824 and826 are retained to each other by an adhesive. In the mated position,rubber sheet 1000 is sandwiched between upper housing 824 and lowerhousing 825. Compressive forces between upper housing 824 and lowerhousing 826 create a fluid path seal between rubber sheet 1000 and lowerhousing 826.

With reference to FIGS. 31 and 32, a tissue trap 1198 is shown. Tissuetrap 1198 includes a specimen container 1400 in which a tissue filter1200 is seated. Tissue filter 1200 is generally cylindrical in shape.Other shapes such as round, oval or square can be utilized. Tissuefilter 1200 can be formed from any suitable material such as lowdurometer plastic or thermoplastic elastomer. Tissue filter 1200 can beformed from a transparent material such that the contents may be viewedby a user.

Tissue filter 1200 is defined by a top panel 1202. Top panel 1202 has abottom surface 1203 and a top surface 1204. An aperture 1250 is definedin top panel 1202 and is surrounded by a recess 1252. An opening 1254 isdefined in top panel 1202. A generally annular side panel 1206 extendsperpendicularly away from the peripheral edge of top panel 1202 andbottom surface 1203. Flat portions 1256 are located on opposing sides ofannular side panel 1206. A flexible prong or tang 1258 extends outwardfrom each flat portion 1256 and is spaced from each flat portion 1256 bya gap 1260.

A pair of juxtaposed elongated hollow tubes 1210 and 1216 extend in adistal direction away from bottom surface 1203. Tube 1210 has a proximalend 1211 and a distal end 1212. Tube 1216 has a proximal end 1217 and adistal end 1218. Proximal ends 1211 and 1217 are connected to bottomsurface 1203. In one embodiment, tubes 1210 and 1216 can contain apreservative solution 389 (FIG. 22D) such as formalin or other suitablepreservative solution. In another embodiment, the preservative solutionis omitted. Preservative solution 389 is sealed within tubes 1210 and1216 by a foil or plastic seal 1236.

Another elongated tube 1222 extends in a distal direction away frombottom surface 1203. Tube 1222 has a proximal end 1224 and a distal end1226. Proximal end 1224 is connected to bottom surface 1203. Bottompanel 1227 is located at the distal end 1126 of tube 1222. An elongatedopening 1228 is defined in tube 1222 extending between proximal end 1224and distal end 1226. Tube 1222 has a cavity 1230. Cavity 1230 iscontinuous or coextensive with opening 1254. A screen 1234 extendsacross the diameter of tube 1222 towards distal end 1226. A tissuesample 398 is shown trapped by screen 1234 in FIG. 31.

An elongated duct 1240 extends in a distal direction away from bottomsurface 1203. Duct 1240 has a proximal end 1242 (not shown) and a distalend 1244. Proximal end 1242 is connected to bottom surface 1203. Distalend 1244 extends slightly beyond the ends of tubes 1210 and 1216. A bore1246 is defined in duct 1240 extending between distal end 1244 andaperture 1250.

Specimen container or jar 1400 has a generally square shape with roundedcorners. Specimen container 1400 has an outer panel 1402 and a bottompanel 1404. Two planar spaced apart flat grasping sections 1406 arelocated in outer panel 1402 on opposing sides of specimen container1400. A compartment 1408 is defined within specimen container 1400.Specimen container 1400 has a top end 1410 and a bottom end 1412.Specimen container 1400 is formed from a transparent material such thatthe contents of compartment 1408 may be viewed by a user.

An annular flange 1416 extends peripherally outward from panel 1402 attop end 1410. Flange 1416 has an inner face 1418 and an outer face 1420.Annular threads 1422 are defined in the outer face 1420. Two opposingflat sections 1424 are located in inner face 1418. A step 1426 extendsfrom inner face 1418 around the whole circumference of the face. Step1426 slopes downwardly from flange 1416 towards panel 1402.

A rim 1430 extends peripherally downward away from bottom panel 1404.Rim 1430 has a beveled or angled edge 1432 that slopes inwardly fromouter panel 1402. Boss 1436 extends distally away from bottom panel 1404adjacent to one side of rim 1430. Pointed tip 1437 extends upwardly awayfrom bottom panel 1404 into compartment 1408. A window 1438 is locatedin outer panel 1402. Window 1438 allows a user to view the contents ofcompartment 1408.

Circular cap 1450 has a top panel 1452 and an annular side panel 1454that extends perpendicularly downward from top panel 1452. Knurled ribs1456 are placed on the outer face of side panel 1454 to allow a user abetter grip of cap 1450. A rim 1458 extends perpendicularly upward awayfrom top 1452. Annular threads 1460 are defined on the inner face ofside panel 1454. An annular flange 1462 extends perpendicularly awayfrom top panel 1452 parallel to and slightly spaced from side panel1454. A pair of opposed notches 1464 are defined in flange 1462. Slot1466 is defined between flange 1462 and side panel 1454.

Cap 1450 is attached to top end 1410 of specimen container 1400 by therotation of cap 1450 relative to specimen container 1400 to cause themating of threads 1422 and 1460. Cap 1450 can also be attached to bottomend 1412 of specimen container 1400. Rim 1458 is placed by a useradjacent to rim 1430 and pressed onto rim 1430. Beveled edge 1432 guidesrim 1458 into frictional contact with rim 1430 thereby holding cap 1450to the bottom of specimen container 1400.

An identification device 376 is attached to outer panel 1402.Identification device 376 has the same structure and performs thefunction as the previously described identification devices.

Tissue sample 398 can be a wide variety of tissue specimens. For exampletissue sample 398 can be a biopsy sample from a body location or a polypfrom a colon. Tissue filter 1200 will slide into compartment 1408 untilprongs or tangs 1258 engage flat section 1424 above step 1426. At thispoint, step 1426 provides a resistive force to the further insertion oftissue filter 1200 into compartment 1408.

Tissue trap 1198 is removably coupled to cassette 800. Trap 1190 isinserted by pushing tissue filter 1200 and specimen container 1400horizontally into cavity 985 such that flange 1416 and threads 1422slide into L-shaped rail 982 and are retained by lip 984. Trap 1198hangs below cassette 800. Trap 1198 is removed from cassette 800 bypulling tissue filter 1200 and specimen container 1400 horizontally awayfrom cassette 800. Multiple tissue samples may be collected usingmultiple tissue traps 1200.

A user places cap 1450 over tissue filter 1200. When cap 1450 is rotatedrelative to specimen container 1400, the inner surface cap top panel1452 contacts the top panel 1204 of tissue filter 1200. Threads 1422 and1460 cause the rotation of cap 1450 to force tissue filter 1200 to movedownwardly into compartment 1408. Step 1426 causes prongs or tangs 1258to flex inwardly and slide along specimen container panel 1406 until thebottom edge of panel 1206 abuts step 1426. As tissue filter 1200 movesdownwardly into compartment 1408, pointed tip 1437 mounted to bottompanel 1404 punctures foil or plastic seal 1236 releasing preservativesolution 389 (FIG. 17) to cover tissue sample 398.

Turning now to FIGS. 33 and 34, a water bottle 1500 is shown. Waterbottle 1500 is shown generally rectangular in shape. Other shapes suchas round or oval can be utilized. Water bottle 1500 is defined by sixexterior panels including opposed parallel and spaced apart generallyvertically oriented panels 1502 and 1504; opposed parallel and spacedapart generally vertically oriented panels 1506 and 1508; and agenerally horizontally oriented bottom panel 1510. Top panel 1511 isangled upwardly away from side panels 1502, 1504, 1506 and 1508. Sidepanels 1502, 1504, 1506 and 1508 are perpendicular to bottom panel 1510.Water bottle 1500 has a top end 1514 and a bottom end 1512.

Panels 1502, 1504, 1506, 1508, 1510 and 1511 define a reservoir 1520within water bottle 1500. Water bottle 1500 can be formed from anysuitable material such as blow molded plastic. In one embodiment, waterbottle 1500 is formed from a transparent material such that the contentsor level of reservoir 1520 may be viewed by a user.

Water bottle 1500 has a neck 1524 that extends away from top wall 1511.An annular flange 1526 encircles neck 1524. Threads 1528 are defined inthe outer face of neck 1524 at top end 1514. Opening 1530 allows accessto reservoir 1520. An elongated tube 1540 has ends 1542 and 1544. Acircular cap 1560 has threads 1562, an annular flange 1564 at one endand a smaller diameter neck 1566. Apertures 1570 and 1572 are defined inflange 1564.

Water bottle 1500 is filled with an irrigation fluid. Water bottle 1500is assembled by placing tube end 1542 through aperture 1570 of cap 1560and placing tube end 1544 through opening 1530 into bottle 1500.Aperture 1572 allows the air pressure inside of bottle 1500 and outsideof bottle 1500 to equalize such that a vacuum is not formed insidebottle 1500.

Water bottle 1500 is removably coupled to receptacle 702. Water bottle1500 is inserted by a user manually sliding water bottle 1500horizontally towards and into slot 742 such that arms 740 flex to gripneck 1566. Water bottle 1500 hangs below cassette 800 supported byflange 1564. Fingers 744 retain and prevent water bottle 1500 fromsliding out of slot 742. Water bottle 1500 is removed from cassette 800by a user manually pulling water bottle 1500 horizontally away fromcassette 800 causing arms 740 to flex allowing neck 1566 to slide pastfingers 744.

C. Operation

Referring to FIGS. 1A-C, 15B and 23-34, mobile unit 30 (FIG. 1A) isprepared for use by a user inserting the cassette 800 into thecomplementary receptacle 702 of manifold assembly 700 associated withthe canister 38 in which the waste drawn from the surgical site is to becollected. This step is performed by aligning tapered sections 837 ofcassette 800 with grooves 724 of receptacle 702 and sliding cassette 800into passage or cavity 716. Sides 832 and 834 slide along groove 724until back panel 830 contacts rear panel 709 of receptacle 702. In thisposition, fitting 944 is seated in and in fluid communication withsuction conduit 59 (FIG. 15B). Ribs 842 of flexible tab 838 deflectunder front edge 749 of top panel 705. Flexible tab 842 retains cassette800 within cavity or passage 716.

Peristaltic pump roller 74 is mounted through opening 720 such thatperistaltic pump roller contacts irrigation channel 1076. Irrigationchannel 1076 is squeezed between peristaltic pump roller 74 and furrow966 such that the rotation of roller 74 forces irrigation fluid throughirrigation channel 1076. Roller 74 and pump motor 71 are mounted at anangle offset from a vertical axis defined perpendicular to top panel 705to allow roller 74 to freely rotate without contacting dome 898.

RFID reader 194 recognizes identification device 376 such as an RFID tagand sends a signal to controller 192 to allow operation of mobile unit30 when cassette 800 is seated in receptacle 702.

Water bottle 1500 is attached to receptacle 702 by insertinghorizontally into slot 742 such that arms 740 flex to grip neck 1566.Water bottle 1500 hangs below cassette 800 supported by flange 1564.Fingers 744 retain and prevent water bottle 1500 from sliding out ofslot 742. In this position, annular flange aperture 1570 is pressedagainst aperture 970 and is then in fluid communication with irrigationchannel 1066.

Tissue filter 1200 and specimen container 1400 are attached to cassette800 by inserting tissue filter 1200 and specimen container 1400horizontally into cavity 985 such that flange 1416 and threads 1422slide into L-shaped rail 982 and are retained by lip 984. Tissue filter1200 and specimen container 1400 hang below cassette 800.

Mobile unit 30 is completed for use by coupling of an applicator 52 suchas a colonoscope to the unit by attaching suction line 50 to fitting 949and irrigation line 51 to fitting 954. Cap 1090 is initially placed overand sealing second suction fitting 958.

Mobile unit 30 is actuated by activating the suction pump 58 andperistaltic pump 70. The operator uses control panel 196 to select themode of operation. In the case when the operator selects the bypassmode, pinch valve actuators 80 close pinch valves 884 and 878,respectively while pinch valve 872 remains open. Activation of suctionpump 58 results in a waste stream being drawn along a suction fluidcommunication path 184 from the surgical site into the applicator 52,through the suction line 50 and into fitting 949. This waste streamincludes liquid and solid waste to which the suction applicator 52 isapplied as well as air adjacent the applicator 52. From fitting 949, thewaste stream travels through furrow 976 and suction tube 1076 andthrough fitting 944 into conduit 59. From conduit 59, the waste streamflows into the associated canister 36 or 38. This mode of operation isreferred to as the bypass mode because the suction fluid communicationpath 184 bypasses tissue filter 1200.

Liquid and solid components of the waste stream that enter the canister36 or 38 precipitate out of the stream and are held in the canister 36and 38 for final disposal.

Activation of peristaltic pump 70 results in irrigation fluid beingpumped along an irrigation fluid communication path 182 from waterbottle 1500, through tube 1540, through aperture 970, furrow 966 andirrigation channel 1076 and fitting 954, irrigation line 51 and into theapplicator 52 for application at the surgical site.

A user can elect to collect a tissue sample such as a polyp usingcassette 800. Cassette 800 is selected for a mode of operation by themovement of certain pinch valves by actuators 80. The operator usescontrol panel 196 to select the mode of operation. In the case when theoperator selects the tissue collection mode, pinch valves 872 and 890are closed and pinch valves 884 and 878 are opened.

Mobile unit 30 is re-actuated by re-activating the suction pump 58 andperistaltic pump 70. When the system is in this operational mode, awaste stream along with an entrained tissue sample is drawn along asuction fluid communication path 184 from the surgical site into theapplicator 52, through the suction line 50 and into fitting 949. Thiswaste stream includes liquid and solid waste and a tissue sample 398 towhich the suction applicator 52 is applied as well as air adjacent theapplicator 52.

From fitting 949, the waste stream travels through furrow 976 andsuction tube 1076, furrow 980 and suction tube 1080, through aperture974, cavity 1230, screen 1234, bore 1246, aperture 1250, aperture 975into furrow 981 and suction tube 1081, furrow 976 and suction tube 1076and through fitting 944 into conduit 59. From conduit 59, the wastestream flows into the associated canister 36 or 38. Tissue sample 398 istrapped by the screen 1234 within tissue filter 1200. This mode ofoperation is referred to as the tissue collection mode because thesuction fluid communication path 184 travels through tissue filter 1200.It is noted that in order to collect samples in the tissue collectionmode, it is not required to disconnect or re-connect the suction line50.

A user can elect to collect a tissue sample extracted with an instrumentusing cassette 800 and tissue trap 1198. Cassette 800 is placed in anextracted tissue capture mode by movement of selected pinch valves byactuators 80. The operator uses control panel 196 to place the cassettein this mode. In the extracted tissue capture mode, pinch valves 872 and878 are closed and pinch valves 884 and 890 are opened. Cap 1090 isremoved from fitting 958.

When the system is in the extracted tissue capture mode, a waste streamis drawn along a suction fluid communication path 184 from fitting 958into instruments rinsing chamber 1050. A user may place tissue sample398 held by an instrument (not shown) through fitting 958 intoinstruments rinsing chamber 1050. The tissue sample is viewed withininstruments rinsing chamber 1050 through transparent angled face 844.

The operator uses control panel 196 to regulate the supply of irrigationfluid. Irrigation fluid is supplied to instruments rinsing chamber 1050by the opening of pinch valve 866 by one of actuators 80. Pressurizedirrigation fluid flows from irrigation channel 1076 through irrigationtubes 1072 and 1065 into instruments rinsing chamber 1050 allowingrinsing of tissue samples placed into instruments rinsing chamber 1050.

From fitting 949, the tissue sample, and waste stream travels throughfurrow 978 and suction tube 1078, through aperture 974, cavity 1230,screen 1234, bore 1246, aperture 1250, aperture 975 into furrow 981 andsuction tube 1081, furrow 976 and suction tube 1076 and through fitting944 into conduit 59. From conduit 59, the waste stream flows into theassociated canister 36 or 38. Tissue sample 398 is trapped by the screen1234 within tissue filter 1200. This mode of operation is referred to asthe forceps sample collection mode because the suction fluidcommunication path 184 travels through instruments rinsing chamber 1050and tissue filter 1200.

In order to remove the tissue trap 1198, the operator first uses controlpanel 196 to return the mode of operation of mobile unit 30 to thebypass mode. This causes the suction communication path to be removedfrom tissue trap 1198. Tissue filter 1200 and specimen container 1400are removed from cassette 800 by pulling tissue filter 1200 and specimencontainer 1400 horizontally away from cassette 800 causing specimencontainer 1400 to slide out along rails 982. Another tissue filter 1200and specimen container 1400 are inserted to collect another tissuesample by pushing tissue filter 1200 and specimen container 1400horizontally into cavity 985 along rails 982. Tissue trap 1198 isinserted and removed from cassette 800 as a single unit.

During this process of removing one tissue trap 1198 from the cassette800 and attaching a new trap 1198, there is no need to turn off thesuction pump 58. In other words, the new tissue traps 1198 can beattached to the cassette 800 without disrupting the suction draw appliedto the suction applicator.

In order to collect another tissue sample, the operator uses controlpanel 196 to return the mode of operation of mobile unit 30 to thetissue sample collection mode.

A user places cap 1450 over tissue filter 1200. When cap 1450 is rotatedrelative to specimen container 1400, the inner surface of cap top panel1452 contacts the top panel 1204 of tissue filter 1200. Threads 1422 and1460 cause the rotation of cap 1450 to force tissue filter 1200 to movedownwardly into compartment 1408. Wall 1462 causes prongs or tangs 1258to flex inwardly and slide along specimen container panel 1406 until thebottom edge of panel 1206 abuts step 1426. As tissue filter 1200 movesdownwardly into compartment 1408, pointed tip 1437 mounted to bottompanel 1404 punctures foil or plastic seal 1236 releasing preservativesolution 389 (FIG. 17) to cover tissue sample 398.

Once the medical/surgical procedure is completed, and use of the mobileunit 30 is no longer required, suction line 50 and irrigation line 51are disconnected from fittings 949 and 958, respectively. Flexible tab838 is manually depressed and cassette 800 is manually removed bypulling cassette 800 from receptacle 702. Cassette 800 is then disposedof as medical waste.

After use, the mobile unit 30 is coupled to a docker (not illustratedand not part of this invention.) Waste material in the canister 36 or 38is flowed through the docker to a treatment facility.

It should likewise be recognized that in versions of the invention, theplastic from which the tissue filter 1200 and specimen container 1400are formed from are at least partially transparent. This providesmedical personnel with a quick means to verify that the tissue samplehas been collected. Further cassette 800 is formed from materials thatare at least partially transparent. This provides medical personnel witha quick means to verify that the cassette has not been previously usedand does not contain previously collected waste.

The present invention allows for a suction fluid communication path tobe selectively routed into and out of a tissue sample container.

V. Fourth Embodiment A. Receptacle

FIGS. 35-42 illustrate an alternative cassette 1700 for use with thealternative manifold receptacle 1699 that may be part of collectionsystem 30 of FIG. 1A. Manifold receptacle 1699, sometimes referred to asa manifold receiver, is disclosed in detail in the incorporated byreference U.S. Pat. No. 7,615,037.

With specific reference to FIGS. 35 and 36, manifold receptacle 1699comprises three primary static components. A housing 1602 that receivesthe proximal end of the cassette 1700. A receiver adaptor 1604 thatholds the manifold receptacle housing 1602 to the associated canistercap 40 (FIG. 1A). Adaptor 1604 also includes a conduit 59 that functionsas the flow path from the manifold housing 1602 into the associatedcanister 36. A lock ring 1606 is attached to the distal front end ofmanifold housing 1602. Lock ring 1066 is formed with geometric featuresto ensure that, when a cassette 1700 is fitted in receptacle 1699, thecassette 1700 is properly aligned.

Housing 1602 is formed to define co-axial passages or bores 1610 and1612 that extend through housing 1602. At the distal end, a springloaded door 1634 is mounted to housing 1602 that can selectively beopened by the insertion of cassette 1700 and closed by the removal ofcassette 1700.

Conduit 59, the conduit that provides a fluid communication path fromthe housing 1602 to the associated canister 36, is elbow shaped, so asto have a bend between 80 and 90 degrees. The distal end of conduit 59extends into cassette 1700.

Lock ring 1606, is generally ring shaped and has a centrally locatedthrough opening 1615. A number of bores 1616 extend longitudinallythrough the ring. Bores 1616 receive fasteners used to hold the lockring 1606 to the manifold housing 1602. The lock ring 1606 is furtherformed to define a pair of slots 1618 (located behind cassette 1700 inFIG. 35) and 1620. Slots 1618 and 1620 are contiguous with throughopening 1615 and extend radially outwardly from opening 1615 to theproximal end of the lock ring 1606. Slots 1618 and 1620 arediametrically opposed and have different arcuate profiles. Slot 1618subtends an arc that is greater than the arc subtended by slot 1620.

Both of slots 1618 and 1620 extend the length of the lock ring 1606. Atthe proximal end, lock ring 1606 is further formed to have a pair ofgrooves 1622. Each groove is arcuately shaped and is formed in the innerportion of the lock ring. Each groove 1622 is also contiguous with oneof slots 1618 or 1620. Grooves 1622 are generally diametrically opposedto each other. Owing to the abutment of the proximal end of the lockring 1606 against the distally directed face of the housing 1602,grooves 1622 function as slots through which tabs integral with thecassette 1700 travel as will be described later in more detail.

A valve disk 1632 normally covers the opening into conduit 59. A springloaded door 1634 extends over the distal end opening into the bore 1610of housing 1602 when a cassette 1700 is not inserted.

Manifold receptacle 1699 is constructed so that, when the valve disk1632 is in a specific rotational position within the housing 1602, thevalve disk 1632 covers the opening into conduit 59. Valve disk 1632 isrotatable to align bore 1638 with the conduit 59.

B. Cassette

With additional reference now to FIGS. 37-39, the major components ofcassette 1700 are shown. Cassette 1700 comprises a housing 1701 having aproximal shell 1750 with a distal attached cap 1702. Shell 1750 is openended with cap 1702 covering the open end. Shell 1750 and cap 1702 canbe formed from a suitable material such as injection molded plastic.Internal to cassette 1700 and housing 1701 is a chamber or void space1704 (FIG. 38B).

Turning to FIGS. 41A-E, shell 1750 has a generally cylindrical shape.The shell 1750 is formed to have a circular proximal end or base 1752from which a tubular shaped side wall 1754 upwardly extends. A lip 1756extends circumferentially around the open top end of side wall 1754. Lip1756 projects radially outwardly. Two fingers 1761 and 1762 and a tab1763 extend distally upward from the top of side wall 1754. Each finger1761 and 1762 has an arcuate cross sectional profile. Finger 1761subtends a relatively large arc. Finger 1762 subtends a relatively shortarc.

An opening 1770 is formed in the shell base 1752. The opening isdimensioned to receive a boss integral with valve disk 1632. The shellis formed so that opening 1770 is centered along an axis that is offcenter to the longitudinal axis of the shell 1750. A circular lip 1772extends downwardly from the shell base 1752 around opening 1770. Lip1772 is spaced radially away from the annular section of the shell base1752 that defines the outer perimeter of opening 1770.

A drip stop 1774 is fitted in manifold opening 1770. Drip stop 1774 isformed from a compressible, elastomeric material such as polyisoprenerubber. Drip stop 1774 has a pair of lips 1775 with a slit or slot 1790therebetween. Slot 1790 allows conduit 59 to slide through drip stop1774 into chamber 1704 forming part of a suction fluid communicationpath. When cassette 1700 is removed from receptacle 1699, drip stop 1774blocks the flow of any material out from opening 1770.

FIGS. 40A-E show details of cassette cap 1702. Cap 1702 is formed from asingle piece of polypropylene or similar plastic. Cap 1702 has ends 1705and 1706 and a cylindrical tube shaped skirt 1707. Cap 1702 is sized toallow the housing 1701 to be disposed in and rotated into receptacle1699. At the proximal end 1705 of the skirt 1707, two tabs 1708 and 1709project radially outwardly. Tabs 1708 and 1709 are diametrically opposedfrom each other. The tabs subtend different arcs. Tab 1708 subtends arelatively large arc; this tab is designed to slip fit into manifoldreceptacle lock ring slot 1618. Tab 1709 subtends a shorter arc; thistab is designed to slip fit into manifold receptacle lock ring slot1620.

Cap skirt 1707 is formed to have an inwardly tapered rim 1710 at end1705. Adjacent to rim 1710, skirt 1707 has an outwardly extending step1712 that extends circumferential around the interior of the skirt. Cap1702 is dimensioned so that the inner diameter of skirt 1707 above step1712 is less than the outer diameter of shell lip 1756 by approximately0.5 mm. When cassette 1700 is assembled, shell 1750 is inserted into cap1702 such that lip 1756 is compressed and then seated on step 1712. Thecompression of the inner surface of the cap skirt 1707 around the lip1756 substantially eliminates loss of suction between the cap and theskirt.

A number of ribs extend inwardly from the inner surface of the skirt1707 and are located above step 1712. There are two pairs of adjacentribs 1713 and another pair of adjacent ribs 1714. Ribs 1713 arearcuately spaced apart from each other a sufficient distance from eachother to allow shell fingers 1761 to be slip fitted therebetween. Ribs1714 are spaced apart a sufficient distance so that tab 1763 and notfingers 1761 can be slip fitted therebetween. Shell fingers 1761 and tab1763 and rib pairs 1713 and 1714 thus facilitate the proper alignment ofcassette shell 1750 and cassette cap 1702 when these components areassembled together.

A half barrel 1716 extends distally from the lower half of skirt 1707and a rectangular shaped housing or box 1718 extends distally from theupper half of skirt 1707. A semi-circular face 1719 extends over the topend of skirt 1707 and another semi-circular face 1720 extends over thetop end of barrel 1716. Face 1720 is formed so as to have acenter-located bore 1721 and a fitting 1734 located toward the bottom offace 1720. Fitting 1734 has a through bore 1722 is in fluidcommunication with chamber 1704. A planar wall 1724 (best seen in FIG.38B) extends between face 1719 and face 1720. A circular aperture 1725(FIG. 38B) extends through wall 1724 adjacent to face 1720.

Housing or box 1718 defines a rectangular shaped sleeve 1726 thatdefines a closed end bore 1727. The base of the sleeve 126 is defined bywall 1724. An opening 1729 is formed in the face of end cap 1706 wherethe bore defining sleeve 1726 extends inwardly from the cap. An inletfitting 1734 extends from the top of housing 1718. The bore 1728 offitting 1738 is in fluid communication with bore 1727. Specifically,bore 1728 opens into an interior surface of sleeve 1726 that is oppositethe surface of wall 1724. A semi-circular rim 1730 extends radiallyoutward from housing 1718. Rim 1730 is coplanar and contiguous with theplanar face of cap end 1706.

Fittings 1732 and 1734 are sized to receive a suction line 50.

A generally U-shaped half flange 1736 extends away from the end ofbarrel 1716. A post 1738 extends perpendicularly away from the top ofbox 1718 and slightly spaced from rim 1730 and fitting 1734.

With reference to FIGS. 37A and 37B, removable caps 1740 are providedfor fittings 1732 and 1734. A removable cover 1741 is provided to coveropening 1729 of sleeve 1726. Cover 1741 has a handle 1742 that can begrasped by a user and a portion that fits into sleeve 1726. Each fittingcap 1740 and cover 1741 is integrally attached to cassette cap 1702 by atether 1744 with several arms 1746. Arms 1746 are anchored to post 1738.

Cassette 1700 includes a flapper valve unit 1800, now described byreference to FIGS. 38B, 38C and 38D. Flapper valve unit 1800 is formedfrom a single piece of compressible, flexible material such aspolyisoprene or other elastomeric material. Flapper valve unit 1800 hasa disk shaped hub 1802. Hub 1802 is formed with a center through hole1804.

The flapper valve unit 1800 is mounted to face 1720 of cassette cap1702. A post 1806 is inserted through hole 1804 and into bore 1721 offace 1720. The post 1806 is heat staked to face 1720 thereby holdingflapper valve unit 1800 to cassette cap 1702.

The flapper unit hub 1802 also has a number of annular ribs 1810 and1812. One rib 1810 extends outwardly from the opposed distally andproximally directed faces of hub 1802. One rib 1812 also extendsoutwardly from each of the opposed faces of hub 1802. Ribs 1810 arelocated proximal to hub through hole 1804. Ribs 1812 surround ribs 1810.Each rib 1810 and 1812 has an inwardly angled cross sectional profile.Thus, each rib 1810 and 1812 extends outwardly from the hub face and isangled so as to be directed to the longitudinal axis through hub hole1804.

Flapper valves 1814 are pivotally connected to and extend from hub 1802.Each flapper valve 1814 covers a separate one of the fitting ports 1722and aperture 1725. A hinge 1816, also an integral part of the flappervalve unit 1800, pivotally connects each flapper valve 1814 to the hub1802. Hinges 1816 are formed out of sections of the material from whichthe valve is formed and have a thinner cross sectional thickness thanthe adjacent hub 1802 and flapper valve 1800. It should be appreciatedthat the valve 1814 that covers port 1722 is normally generally planarto hub 1802. The valve 1814 that covers aperture 1725 is at an angle,here a right angle, to hub 1802.

Each flapper valve 1814 is generally disk shaped. Each flapper valve1814 is dimensioned to cover both the associated port 1722 and aperture1725 and to abut over the area that surrounds the ports. Generally eachflapper valve 1814 has a diameter that is approximately 4 mm greaterthan the inner diameter of the associated port 1722 and aperture 1725.Thus one flapper valve 1814 abuts face 1720 and the other flapper valve1814 abuts the bottom of wall 1724. Flapper values 1814 act as one wayvalves allowing fluid flow from port 1722 and aperture 1725 into chamber1704 and preventing fluid flow from chamber 1704 into port 1722 andaperture 1725.

With reference to FIGS. 39A, 39B, 42A-42E and 43, details of tissue trap1850 are illustrated. Tissue trap 1850 is generally rectangular inshape. Other shapes such as round, oval or square can be utilized.Tissue trap 1850 can be formed from any suitable material such as lowdurometer plastic or thermoplastic elastomer. Tissue trap 1850 comprisesa holder 1852 and a catch tray 1880. Holder 1852 is defined by fourpanels including parallel and spaced apart generally vertically orientedside beams 1854 and 1856 and parallel and spaced apart generallyvertically oriented front and rear beams 1858 and 1860. Side beams 1854and 1856 have a curving lowered top edge 1857 toward the center ofbeams. A circular flange 1862 extends peripherally outward from thefront beam 1858 and has a flat section or edge 1863 on a lower portion.Holder 1852 defines a hollow slot 1864 therethrough. Holder 1852 andcatch tray 1880 can both be formed from injection molded plastic. In anembodiment, the plastic can be transparent such that a user may view thecontents of tissue trap 1850.

A circular O-ring 1866 abuts the proximal face of flange 1862. O-ring1866 provides a seal between flange 1862 and cap end 1706 when tissuetrap 1850 is inserted into bore 1727. In one embodiment, O-ring 1866 canbe omitted. In this embodiment, a seal is formed directly between flange1862 and cap end 1706.

Holder 1852 includes a pair of parallel juxtaposed rails 1868 thatextend perpendicularly inward from the bottom interior surface of sidepanels 1854 and 1856 into slot 1864.

A filter or catch tray 1880 is removably coupled to tissue trap 1850.Catch tray 1880 is generally rectangular in shape and is defined by fourwalls and a bottom mesh. Catch tray 1880 includes parallel and spacedapart generally vertically oriented side walls 1882 and 1884 andparallel and spaced apart generally vertically oriented front and rearwalls 1886 and 1888. A bottom mesh or screen 1890 is mounted to thebottom of walls 1882-1888. Walls 1882-1888 and screen 1890 form an openended shell (not identified) that defines a cavity 1894. Mesh 1890contains holes such that a fluid passes through mesh 1890. A lip 1892extends peripherally outward from top of walls 1882-1888.

Filter or catch tray 1880 can be inserted into and removed from holder1852. Filter or catch tray 1880 is placed into holder 1852 by insertingcatch tray 1880 into slot 1864 and pressing on catch tray 1880 until thebottom of walls 1882-1888 abut rails 1868 and lip 1892 rests on the topof walls 1882-1888. Filter or catch tray 1880 is removed from holder1852 by lifting catch tray 1880 out from slot 1864.

An identification device 1896 is attached to rear panel 1860 of tissuetrap 1850. Identification device 1896 can be any suitable identificationdevice such as a radio frequency identification (RFID) tag or device, abar code, a magnet or other device. The presence of identificationdevice 1896 can be sensed by a sensor 1897 (FIG. 36) that is mounted inreceptacle 1699. In one embodiment, sensor 1897 can be a hall-effectsensor. Sensor 1897 is used to detect the insertion of a tissue trap1850 into cassette 1700 and to turn on light 1898 (FIG. 36) such thatthe interior of tissue trap 1850 is illuminated.

An alternative version or embodiment of a tissue trap 1900 is shown inFIGS. 44 and 45A-45E. Tissue trap 1900 is a single unitary piece. Tissuetrap 1900 is generally rectangular in shape. Other shapes such as round,oval or square can be utilized. Tissue trap 1900 can be formed from anysuitable material such as low durometer plastic or thermoplasticelastomer. Tissue trap 1900 is defined by four panels including paralleland spaced apart generally vertically oriented side panels 1902 and 1904and parallel and spaced apart generally vertically oriented front andrear panels 1906 and 1908. A circular flange 1910 extends peripherallyoutward from the front panel 1906 and has a flat section or edge 1912 ona lower portion. In the embodiment of tissue trap 1900 the use of anO-ring is omitted. A screen 1914 is mounted to the bottom of panels1902-1908 and forms the bottom of tissue trap 1900. Screen 1914 containsholes such that a fluid may pass through screen 1914. Panels 1902-1908and screen 1914 define a cavity 1916. An identification device 1896 isattached to rear panel 1908 of tissue trap 1900.

In these versions of the invention flange 1910 serves as the cap thatcovers the opening 1727 in the manifold. In these versions of theinvention when there is no need to collect a specimen, a cap,essentially flange 1910 without the attached screen 1914 is seated inthe outlet opening. Fluid then flows from the outlet opening throughspace 1727 without any filtering or collection of entrained tissue. Whenthere is a point in the procedure in which it is useful to collect aspecimen, the tissue trap 1900 is inserted in the void space. The tissueentrained in the waste stream is captured by screen 1914.

C. Operation of the Fourth Embodiment

Referring to FIGS. 1A-C, 35-38 and 43, mobile unit 30 (FIG. 1A) isprepared for use by a user inserting the cassette 1700 into thecomplementary receptacle 1699 associated with the canister 36. A usergrasps the cap 1702 and inserts the cassette 1700 into the receptacle1699 so that shell base 1752 opens door 1634 and slides into chamber1610. Shell base is directed to the valve disk 1632. For mobile unit 30to function, valve disk boss 1636 must seat in shell opening 1770. Lockring slots 1618 and 1620 and manifold tabs 1708 and 1709 cooperate toensure this alignment of the cassette 1700 to the valve disk 1632.Specifically, these components are positioned so positioning of manifoldtab 1608 in slot 1618 results in the cassette 1700 being rotationallypositioned so that shell opening 1770 is aligned with valve disk boss1636. After the cassette is so positioned, continued insertion ofcassette 1700 into receptacle 1699 results in shell base 1752 fittingover the valve disk boss 1636.

Cassette 1700 is then rotated causing the like rotation of the valvedisk boss 1636 and the valve disk 1632. This rotation places valve bore1638 in registration with the distal end opening into conduit 59allowing fluid communication between chamber 1704 and conduit 59.

Initially when the cassette is seated in the receptacle 1699 the distalend of the cassette shell seats over valve boss 1636. More particularly,the boss 1636 extends into shell opening 1770. Drip stop 1774 forms afluid tight barrier between the boss 1636 and the surrounding section ofshell base 1750 that defines opening 1770.

Two suction lines can be attached to cassette 1700. If there is need todraw suction and not collect tissues from the fluid stream, the suctionline through which this stream is flowed is attached to fitting 1732.This may be the fitting to which the suction tube employed drawn by theanesthesiologist is attached. The suction line from which it maydesirable to collect a section of tissue is attached to fitting 1732. Itshould be appreciated that if a suction line is not attached to one ofthe fittings 1732 or 1734 the cap is left in place over the fitting. Thecap thus prevents the unnecessary loss of suction through the fitting.

Mobile unit 30 is actuated by activating the suction pump 58. Thissuction is sufficient to flex both flapper valves 1814 into their openstates. Should a suction line be attached to fitting 1732, a fluidstream is drawn through this suction line into cassette chamber 1704.From chamber 1704 this fluid stream flows through conduit 59 into theassociated canister.

The suction drawn by pump 58 also causes a fluid stream to be drawnthrough the suction line attached to fitting 1734. The flange 1862 oftrap 1850 serves as the cap that is removably fitted over housingopening 1729. When flange 1862 is in position, O-ring 1866 prevents theloss of suction at the outer interface between the front end of thecassette and trap flange 1862. When there is no interest in collectingmaterial entrained in this stream, a filter 1880 is not disposed in trapholder 1852. The fluid stream flows unfiltered through the cassette andout through conduit 59.

Alternatively, when cassette is operated in this bypass mode, trap 1850is not even fitted to the cassette. Cover 1741 is fitted over cassetteopening 1729. The cover 1741 may include a layer of elastomericmaterial. This elastomeric layer functions as a seal that prevents theloss of suction at the interface between the cassette and the cover.

A user can collect a tissue sample such as a polyp using cassette 1700.If the cover 1741 is in place, the cover is removed by grasping handle1742 and manually pulling on cover 1741. Tissue trap 1850 includingcatch tray 1880 is inserted into sleeve 1726. A user grasps flange 1862and position proximal panel 1860 through opening 1729 into sleeve 1726and bore 1727. Tissue trap 1850 slides into sleeve 1726 until O-ring1866 abuts cap end 1706. O-ring 1866 provides a suction seal betweenflange 1862 and cap end 1706. This mode of operation is called thetissue sample collection mode because the suction fluid communicationpath is through tissue trap 1850.

Alternatively, if the cover is not in place, the filterless trap issimply withdrawn from the cassette. A filter 1880 is seated in the trapholder 1852. The trap is then reseated in sleeve 1726.

It should be appreciated that this process of inserting a trap withfilter in the cassette interrupts the suction drawn at the head of thesuction applicator. This interruption of suction serves to substantiallyeliminate the likelihood that the tissue the practitioner is interestedin collecting is inadvertently drawn through the cassette and into thewaste collection canister.

When tissue trap 1850 is seated in sleeve 1726, sensor 1897 detects thepresence of tissue trap 1850 and recognizes identification device 1896.Sensor 1897 is in communication with controller 192 (FIG. 1B).Controller 192 can turn on light 1898 such that the interior of tissuetrap 1850 is illuminated.

In the tissue sample collection mode, the waste stream is drawn along asuction fluid communication path 184 from the surgical site into theapplicator 52, through the suction line 50B and into fitting 1734. Thiswaste stream can include a tissue sample 398 entrained in the suctionapplicator 52 as a result of suction draw through the applicator. Fromfitting 1734, the waste stream travels through port 1728, cavity 1894,bottom mesh 1890, aperture 1725, flapper valve 1814, chamber 1704 andinto conduit 59. From conduit 59, the waste stream flows into canister36.

The tissue sample 398 is trapped by bottom mesh 1890 of catch tray 1880within tissue trap 1850. This mode of operation is referred to as thetissue collection mode because the suction fluid communication path 184travels through tissue trap 1850. It is noted that in order to collectsamples in the tissue collection mode, it is not required to disconnector re-connect the suction line 50B.

The plastic from which the cap 1702 and tissue trap 1850 is formed fromis at least partially transparent allowing a user to view the tissuesample 398 within cavity 1894. The tissue sample 398 is illuminatedwithin tissue trap 1850 by light source 1898.

Tissue trap 1850 is removed from sleeve 1726 by a user manually pullingon flange 1862 in a direction parallel to the horizontal axis ofcassette 1700. After tissue trap 1850 is removed from sleeve 1726, catchtray 1880 containing tissue sample 398 is removed from holder 1852. Auser grasps and lifts lip 1892 of catch tray 1880 at lowered edge 1857of holder 1852 separating catch tray 1880 from holder 1852.

With additional reference to FIG. 14, after removing tissue catch tray1880, the user places catch tray 1880 into specimen container 380 (FIG.14) where it is submerged into preservative solution 389 therebycovering tissue sample 398. The user places cap 390 over specimencontainer 380. Cap retainer 392 aligns threads 391 and 387. As cap 390is rotated onto specimen container 380, tabs 394 break separating cap390 from cap retainer 392. A user can then pull on arm 395 to remove capretainer 392 from specimen container 380. The specimen container 380 issent to a pathology lab for analysis. Door 1741 can then be replacedover opening 1729 of sleeve 1726 to prevent any loss of suction.

It should be appreciated that this process of removing the tissue trap1850 again interrupts the suction draw at the head of the suctionapplicator. This gives the practitioner the opportunity to brieflyexamine the trapped tissue to ensure that the whole of the sample thepractitioner wanted to collect was in fact collected. If thepractitioner decides additional collection of this sample is necessary,the practitioner can either reseat the present filter or fit a newfilter to the cassette.

If at a later time during the procedure, the practitioner believes ituseful to collect another tissue sample, another catch tray 1880 can beinserted into holder 1852 and the tissue trap 1850 can be re-insertedinto sleeve 1726 and bore 1727 in order to collect another tissuesample. Multiple tissue samples may be collected using multiple screens1880. Multiple tissue samples can be collected without disconnection orre-connection of the suction line 50B during the procedure.

Once the medical/surgical procedure is completed, and use of the mobileunit 30 is no longer required, suction lines 50A and 50B may bedisconnected from fittings 1732 and 1734, respectively. Caps 1740 arethen replaced on fittings 1732 and 1734, respectively and door 1741 isreplaced over opening 1729. Cassette 1700 is then removed fromreceptacle 1699. Cassette 1700 is rotated so that tabs 1708 and 1709align in slots 1618 and 1620, respectively. As a consequence of havingto rotate the cassette 1700, the valve disk 1632 undergoes a likerotation. The rotation of the valve disk 1632 reorients the disk so thedisk again covers the open end of the receiver adapter conduit 59.

Once cassette 1700 is properly positioned, the cassette is manuallywithdrawn from the receptacle 1699 closing door 1634. After drip stop1774 passes over the distal end of the valve disk boss 1632, the opposedsections of the drip stop that define slot 1790 come together so asreclose opening 1770. The closing of the opening 1770 substantiallyeliminates leakage of waste material remaining in the cassette. Cassette1700 and holder 1852 are disposed of as medical waste.

After use, the mobile unit 30 is coupled to a docker (not illustratedand not part of this invention.) Waste material in the canister 36 isflowed through the docker to a treatment facility.

It should likewise be recognized that in versions of the invention, theplastic from which the cassette 1700 and tissue trap 1850 are formedfrom are at least partially transparent. This provides medical personnelwith a quick means to verify that the tissue sample has been collected.In addition, this provides medical personnel with a quick means toverify that the cassette has not been previously used and does notcontain previously collected waste.

Because cassette 1700 is angled slightly or inclined upward when seatedin receptacle 1699, tissue trap 1850 is also angled slightly upward. Anyliquid waste adhering to tissue trap 1850 when it is removed will flowinto sleeve 1726 preventing the waste from leaking into the surgicalenvironment.

The angled orientation of cassette 1700 ensures that, when the mobileunit 30 is in operation, the proximal shell base opening 1770 is, in agravity orientation, below inlet ports 1722 and 1728. This makes itunlikely that waste in the cassette can flow upstream towards ports1722, 1728 or tissue trap 1850.

Flapper valve unit 1800 also stops the leakage of any waste from thecassette 1700 into suction lines 50A and 50B. Individual flapper valves1814 normally cover the port 1722 and aperture 1725, when suction pump58 is actuated, and a fitting cap 1740 is removed, the suction drawn bythe pump is sufficient to generate a pressure head that flexes theflapper valve 1814 to an open position. The waste stream is thus able toflow into the cassette chamber 1704. When the pump is deactivated, hinge1816 has sufficient resilient force to return the flapper valve 1814against the adjacent face or wall to a closed position.

A tissue sample can be collected in a similar manner using tissue trap1900 as was described using tissue trap 1850. Because tissue trap 1900is a single unitary piece and does not have a separate screen, after atissue sample is collected with tissue trap 1900 and tissue trap 1900 isremoved from sleeve 1726, the entire tissue trap 1900 would be placedinto a preservative container 380. In order to collect an additionaltissue sample, another unused tissue trap 1900 would be inserted intosleeve 1726.

VI. Fifth Embodiment A. Cassette

Turning now to FIGS. 46-48, another embodiment of a cassette 2000 isillustrated. Cassette 2000 is used in association with the receptacle1699 of FIGS. 35 and 36. Cassette 2000 shares some common components andfeatures with cassette 1700. The shell 1750 and tissue traps 1850 and1900 of cassette 2000 are the same as previously described in cassette1700. The interior features of cap 2002 are the same as previouslydescribed for cap 1702. However, housing or box 2018 is removable fromcap 2002. Housing or box 2018 of cassette 2000 is molded separately fromthe rest of cap 2002. The housing or box 1718 of cap 1702 is a singleunitary piece.

Cassette 2000 comprises a housing 2001 having a proximal shell 1750 witha distal attached cap 2002 and a removable sample housing or box 2018.Cap 2002 and sample housing 2018 can be formed from a suitable materialsuch as injection molded plastic.

Cap 2002 has the same ends 1705 and 1706 and skirt as cap 1702. Cap 2002is sized to allow the housing 1701 to be disposed in and rotated intoreceptacle 1699. At the proximal end 1705 of the skirt 1707, two tabs1708 and 1709 project radial outwardly (only tab 1708 is shown in FIG.47). Tab 1708 is designed to slip fit into manifold receptacle lock ringslot 1618. Tab 1709 is designed to slip fit into manifold receptaclelock ring slot 1620.

A half barrel 1716 extends distally from the lower half of skirt 1707. Asemi-circular face 1719 extends over the proximal end of skirt 1707 andanother semi-circular face 1720 extends over the proximal end of barrel1716. A planar wall 1724 extends between face 1719 and face 1720. A pairof parallel diametrically opposed spaced apart L-shaped rails 2004extends perpendicular upward from wall 1724. An elongated slot 2006 islocated along the length of each of rails 2004. A circular aperture 1725extends through wall 1724 between the center of rails 2004 and spacedfrom face 1720.

A generally U-shaped half flange 1736 extends in a distal direction awayfrom face 1720. The fitting 1732 integral with cassette 1700 is integralwith cassette 2000. As with cassette 1700, this fitting 1732 functionsas fitting to which a fluid stream from which there is no need tocollect tissue can be drawn through cassette 2000.

With additional reference to FIGS. 49A-49E, removable housing or box2018 is generally rectangular in shape and comprises five sides or wallsincluding parallel and spaced apart generally horizontally oriented topand bottom walls 2040 and 2042; parallel and spaced apart generallyvertically oriented side walls 2044 and 2046; and a generally verticallyoriented back wall 2048 that is perpendicular to walls 2044 and 2046.Housing 2018 has ends 2036 and 2038. A semi-circular flange 2050 extendsradially outward from walls 2040-2046 at end 2036. An elongated raisedspline 2054 extends perpendicularly away from and along the length ofeach of side walls 2044 and 2046 at the bottom of side walls 2044 and2046. Splines 2054 slide into and mate with slots 2006 of rails 2004when sample housing 2018 is mounted to cap 2002.

An elongated rectangular shaped internal sleeve 2026 having a bore 2027is defined in housing 2018 by walls 2040-2046. An opening 2030 isdefined where sleeve 2026 terminates at flange 2050. An aperture 2052extends through bottom wall 2042.

A fitting 1734 extends perpendicularly away from top wall 2040. Fitting1734 is in the form of a hollow tube. Fitting 1734 is sized to receivesuction line 50B (FIG. 36). A port 1728 is defined through fitting 1734and is in fluid communication with bore 2027.

A post 1738 extends perpendicularly away from top wall 2040 slightlyspaced from flange 2050 and fitting 1734. Removable caps 1740 areprovided for fittings 1732 and 1734. A removable cover 1741 is providedto cover opening 2030 of sleeve 2026. Cover 1741 has a handle 1742 thatcan be grasped by a user and a portion that fits into sleeve 1726. Eachfitting cap 1740 and cover 1741 is integrally attached to sample housing2018 by a tether 1744 with several arms 1746. Arms 1746 are anchored topost 1738.

Sample housing 2018 is attachable to cap 2002. A user would grasphousing 2018 and align splines 2054 with slots 2006 of rails 2004.Housing 2018 is moved in a proximal direction towards face 1719. Splines2054 slide along rails 2004 until rear wall 2048 contacts face 1719. Inthis position, aperture 2052 of housing 2018 is in coaxial alignmentwith aperture 1725 of cap 2002. A fluid communication path is formedbetween port 1728, bore 2027, apertures 2052 and 1725 and chamber 1704.

Sample housing 2018 can be used with either tissue trap 1850 of FIGS.42A-E or with tissue trap 1900 of FIGS. 45A-E. After cover 1741 isremoved from opening 2030, either tissue trap 1850 or 1900 can beinserted into bore 2027 thereby completing cassette 2000 for use withreceptacle 1699.

B. Operation of the Fifth Embodiment

Referring to FIGS. 1A-C, 36, 38B and 46-49, mobile unit 30 (FIG. 1A) isoperated using cassette 2000 in a similar manner to cassette 1700.Mobile unit 30 is prepared for use by a user inserting the cassette 2000with attached housing 2018 into the complementary receptacle 1699associated with the canister 36. A user grasps the cap 2002 and insertsthe cassette 2000 into the receptacle 1699 so that shell base 1752 opensdoor 1634 and slides into chamber 1610. Shell base 1752 is seated onvalve disk 1632 and cap 2002 is retained in receptacle 1699 in the samemanner as previously described.

The activation of suction pump 58 results in the drawing of fluidstreams through fittings 1732 and 1734. The fluid stream drawn throughfitting 1734 flows through box sleeve 2026 and aperture 2052. From boxaperture 2052 the fluid stream flows through cassette aperture 1725. Inpractice cassette aperture 1725 is larger in diameter and extendsradially beyond the whole of the perimeter of box aperture 2052. Thisrelative sizing and positioning of these apertures substantiallyeliminates the leakage of fluid between box 2018 and the adjacentsurface of the cassette.

A user can elect to collect a tissue sample such as a polyp usingcassette 2000. A user removes cover 1741 from sleeve 2026 by graspinghandle 1742 and manually pulling on cover 1741. Tissue trap 1850 (FIGS.42A-E) including catch tray 1880 is inserted into sleeve 2026. A usercan grasp flange 1862 and position proximal panel 1860 through opening2030 into sleeve 2026 and bore 2027. Tissue trap 1850 slides into sleeve2026 until O-ring 1866 abuts flange 2050. O-ring 1866 provides a suctionseal between flange 1862 and flange 2050. This mode of operation iscalled the tissue sample collection mode because the suction fluidcommunication path is through tissue trap 1850.

When the system is in the tissue sample collection mode, the wastestream is drawn along a suction fluid communication path 184 from thesurgical site into the applicator 52, through the suction line 50B andinto fitting 1734. This waste stream can include a tissue sample 398entrained in the suction applicator 52 as a result of suction drawthrough the applicator. From fitting 1734, the waste stream travelsthrough port 1728, cavity 1894, bottom mesh 1890, aperture 2052,aperture 1725, flapper valve 1814, chamber 1704 and into conduit 59.From conduit 59, the waste stream flows into canister 36.

The tissue sample 398 is trapped by bottom mesh 1890 of catch tray 1880within tissue trap 1850. This mode of operation is referred to as thetissue collection mode because the suction fluid communication path 184travels through tissue trap 1850. It is noted that in order to collectsamples in the tissue collection mode, it is not required to disconnector re-connect the suction line 50B.

Tissue trap 1850 is removed from sleeve 2026 by a user manually pullingon flange 1862 in a direction parallel to the horizontal axis ofcassette 2000. After tissue trap 1850 is removed from sleeve 2026, catchtray 1880 containing tissue sample 398 is removed from holder 1852. Auser grasps and lifts lip 1892 of catch tray 1880 at lowered edge 1857of holder 1852 separating catch tray 1880 from holder 1852.

After removing tissue catch tray 1880, the user can place catch tray1880 into a specimen container as previously described.

If at a later time during the procedure, the practitioner believes ituseful to collect another tissue sample, another catch tray 1880 can beinserted into holder 1852 and the tissue trap 1850 can be re-insertedinto sleeve 2026 and bore 2027 in order to collect another tissuesample. Multiple tissue samples may be collected using multiple screens1880. Multiple tissue samples can be collected without disconnection orre-connection of the suction line 50B during the procedure.

A tissue sample can be collected in a similar manner using tissue trap1900 with cassette 2000 as previously described using tissue trap 1900with cassette 1700.

It is noted that in some examples, where mobile unit 30 is used duringseveral surgical procedures in a day, it is advantageous to re-useportions of cassette 2000 during multiple procedures in order to reducecost and the amount of medical waste generated. Specifically, cap 2002and shell 1750 of cassette 2000 are re-used throughout the day withtissue housing 2018 being replaced for each new patient that mobile unit30 is used with.

Sample housing 2018 is removable from cap 2002. Suction lines 50A and50B are disconnected from fittings 1732 and 1734, respectively. Caps1740 are replaced on fittings 1732 and 1734, respectively and door 1741is replaced over opening 2030. A user would grasp housing 2018 and pullon housing 2018 thereby moving housing 2018 in a distal direction awayfrom face 1719. Splines 2054 slide along rails 2004 until splines 2054are separated from rails 2004. Sample housing 2018 is then disposed ofas medical waste. Another sample housing 2018 is then mounted to cap2002 as previously described.

At the end of the day when the medical/surgical procedures arecompleted, and use of the mobile unit 30 is no longer required, suctionlines 50A and 50B may be disconnected from fittings 1732 and 1734,respectively. Caps 1740 are replaced on fittings 1732 and 1734,respectively and door 1741 is replaced over opening 2030. Cassette 2000is then removed from receptacle 1699 in the same manner as previouslydescribed. Cassette 2000 and holder 1852 are disposed of as medicalwaste.

After use, the mobile unit 30 is coupled to a docker (not illustratedand not part of this invention.) Waste material in the canister 36 isflowed through the docker to a treatment facility.

It should likewise be recognized that in versions of the invention, theplastic from which the cassette 2000, including housing 2018 and tissuetrap 1850 are formed from are at least partially transparent. Thisprovides medical personnel with a quick means to verify that the tissuesample has been collected. In addition, this provides medical personnelwith a quick means to verify that the cassette has not been previouslyused and does not contain previously collected waste.

Similarly, as when cassette 1700 is used to trap tissue, the suctionflow is interrupted during the processes of installing and removing thetrap. This reduces the initial likelihood that the tissue-of-interestmay flow to the canister prior to collection. Post-collection thisprovides an opportunity for the practitioner to ensure that all thetissue of interest is collected prior to allowing the flow of theunfiltered fluid stream to the canister.

VII. Irrigation Cassette

An irrigation assembly 2100 for use with mobile unit 30 is illustratedin FIGS. 50-54. Irrigation assembly 2100 provides a source of irrigationfluid to a surgical site. Irrigation assembly 2100 comprises anirrigation cassette 2102 and a water bottle 2200.

Water bottle 2200 is generally rectangular in shape. Other shapes suchas round or oval can be utilized. Water bottle 2200 is defined by sixexterior panels including opposed parallel and spaced apart generallyvertically oriented panels 2202 and 2204; opposed parallel and spacedapart generally vertically oriented panels 2206 and 2208; and agenerally horizontally oriented bottom panel 2210. Top panel 2211 isangled inwardly from panels 2202, 2204, 2206 and 2208. Side panels 2202,2204, 2206 and 2208 are perpendicular to bottom panel 2210. Water bottle2200 has a top end 2214 and a bottom end 2212.

Panels 2202, 2204, 2206, 2208, 2210 and 2211 define a reservoir 2220within water bottle 2100. Water bottle 2100 can be formed from anysuitable material such as blow molded plastic. In one embodiment, waterbottle 2100 is formed from a transparent material such that the contentsor level of reservoir 2120 may be viewed by a user.

Water bottle 2100 has a neck 2224 that extends away from top wall 2211.An annular flange 2226 extends radially outward and encircles neck 2224.Threads 2228 are defined in the outer face of neck 2224 toward end 2214.Opening 2230 allows access to reservoir 2220.

A circular cap 2260 has threads 2262 defined on an inner annular surfaceof the cap and recessed knurled portions 2264 defined on an outerannular surface of the cap. Cap 2260 has a top wall 2266. A barbedfitting 2268 extends perpendicularly away from the outer surface of topwall 2266. Barbed fitting 2268 has a hollow tube therein. A U-shapedprojection 2270 also extends perpendicularly away from the outer surfaceof top wall 2266. A hole 2272 is defined in projection 2270. Apertures2274 and 2276 extend through top wall 2266.

A duck bill valve 2280 is seated in aperture 2276 and extends away fromthe inner surface of wall 2266 toward reservoir 2220. Duck bill valve2280 is formed from a compressible, elastomeric material such aspolyisoprene rubber. Duck bill valve 2280 has a pair of lips with a slit2282 therebetween. Duck bill valve 2280 allows air to be drawn intoreservoir 2220 during the operation of peristaltic pump 70. Air can passfrom the ambient environment through slit 2282 into reservoir 2220.Liquid pressure from the contents of reservoir 2220 presses on the lipsof duck bill valve 2280, keeping slit 2282 closed and preventing anyliquid leakage from occurring. Duck bill valve 2280 is therefore a oneway valve allowing air flow into water bottle 2200 and preventing liquidfrom leaving water bottle 2200.

An irrigation cassette 2102 is removably coupled to water bottle 2200.Irrigation cassette 2102 includes a generally Y-shaped housing 2104 andhose or tube 2300. Housing 2104 has ends 2106, 2108 and 2110. Apertures2112, 2114, and 2116 extend through housing 2104 into an internal cavity2120 within housing 2104. An inwardly curved wall 2118 extends betweenends 2108 and 2110.

Housing 2104 is formed from two separate opposed halves or sections 2122and 2150 that are snap fit together along a seam 2124. Section 2122includes a planar wall 2123 and a curved outer peripheral side wall 2124having an edge 2126. The upper section of wall 2123 terminates along anedge 2128. Side wall 2124 is generally perpendicular to wall 2123.Section 2150 has a planar wall 2152 and a pair of curved partial outerperipheral side walls 2154 and 2155 having edges 2156. Wall 2154 extendsfrom end 2106 to end 2112. Wall 2155 extends from end 2106 to end 2114.The upper section of wall 2152 terminates along an edge 2158. A curvedinverted Y-shaped wall 2118 is located within cavity 2120 and spacedfrom side walls 2154 and 2155. Curved wall 2118 is generallyperpendicular to walls 2152. Several U-shaped tube retaining flanges2119 are mounted to wall 2152 and extend perpendicularly away from wall2152 into cavity 2120.

Side wall 2154 and wall 2118 define a tube channel 2160. Side wall 2155and wall 2118 define a tube channel 2162. A tine 2164 extendsperpendicularly inward from wall 2152 at edge 2158. A boss and slot 2166extend perpendicularly inward from wall 2123 at edge 2128. Tine 2164 isdimensioned to be press fit into and received by slot 2166.

Tube 2300 includes ends 2302 and 2304, a curved roller contact section2306 and bends 2308, 2310 and 2312. Tube 2300 can be formed from anysuitable material such as an elastomer or silicone rubber.

Irrigation cassette 2102 is assembled in the following manner: First,tube 2300 is placed into housing section 2150 with bend 2310 positionedin channel 2160 and bend 2308 positioned in channel 2162. Tube 2300 ispressed against housing section 2150 such that tube 2300 slides into andis held by tube retaining flanges 2119. End 2302 is positioned flushwith edge 2128. Curved roller contact section 2306 is adjacent to and incontact curved wall 2118. End 2304 extends through aperture 2116 andbeyond side wall 2155. Next, cap 2260 is positioned with housing section2150 such that tine 2164 is press fit through cap hole 2272 and tube end2302 is slid over barbed fitting 2268. Housing sections 2122 and 2150are mated together to form housing 2104. Housing sections 2122 and 2150are retained to each other by press-fitting, snap fitting or welding thetwo housing sections together. Other retention means such as adhesivescan also be used. When housing sections 2122 and 2150 are mated, tine2164 is press fit into slot 2166.

Irrigation assembly 2100 is completed by screwing cap 2260 andirrigation cassette 2102 onto water bottle 2200. Water bottle 2200 isfilled with an irrigation fluid. Rotation of cap 2260 causes cap threads2262 to mate with bottle threads 2228. An irrigation fluid communicationpath is formed for irrigation liquid to flow from reservoir 2220,through aperture 2274, fitting 2268 and tube 2300 to tube end 2304. Tubeend 2304 can be connected with an irrigation line such as irrigationline 51 of FIG. 1A.

With specific reference to FIGS. 1A and 51, Irrigation assembly 2100 isadapted to be received by an irrigation assembly receiver 2400 that ispart of mobile unit 30. Irrigation assembly receiver 2400 is positionedwithin cap 42 of mobile unit 30. Cap 42 has an upper surface 2402. Arectangular shaped slot 2410 extends into cap 42 from surface 2402 andhas a bottom surface 2414. A rectangular shaped peripheral step 2412extends into slot 2410. A counterbore 2420 is located above slot 2410and extends from upper surface 2402 to slot 2410 and defines an annularstep 2422.

Peristaltic pump 70 comprises a rotary electric motor 71 coupled to cap42 that is connected by a shaft 72 to eccentric rollers 74. Electricmotor 71 causes the rotation of rollers 74. Peristaltic pump rollers 74press curved tubing section 2306 against wall 2118 such that irrigationfluid is forced through tube 2300.

Irrigation assembly 2100 is prepared for use by a user manuallyinserting irrigation assembly 2100 into slot 2410 and counterbore 2420such that housing 2104 rests on step 2412 and cap 2260 rests on step2422. In this position, peristaltic pump rollers 74 are engaged with andpressing curved tubing section 2306 against wall 2118. Tube end 2304 isconnected with irrigation line 51 which is connected with applicator 52.

The activation of electric motor 71 and peristaltic pump 70 results inirrigation fluid being pumped along an irrigation fluid communicationpath 182 from water bottle 2200 reservoir 2220, through aperture 2274,fitting 2268 and tube 2300 to tube end 2304, irrigation line 51 andapplicator 52 where it is supplied to a surgical site.

With reference to FIGS. 55 and 56, an alternative embodiment of anirrigation assembly 2500 for use with mobile unit 30 is illustrated inFIGS. 50-54. Irrigation assembly 2500 comprises an irrigation cassette2502 and a water bottle 2200. Irrigation cassette 2502 has the samefeatures as irrigation cassette 2102 except that irrigation cassette2502 is oriented perpendicular or at a right angle to water bottle 2200instead of parallel to water bottle 2200.

VIII. Sixth Embodiment

FIGS. 57 and 58 depict an alternative cassette 2600 of this invention.Cassette 2600 is a variation of cassette 1700. Cassette 2600 includesproximal shell 2602. Shell 2602 is similar in shape and structure toshell 1750. A cap 2610 is disposed over the distal end of shell 2602. Asleeve 2640 extends forward from cap 2610. Sleeve 2640 is formed with avoid space 2652 that extends inwardly from an open proximal end of thesleeve. A screen holder 2702 is shaped to be slidably received in voidspace 2652. The screen holder is shaped to removably support a catchtray 2740 that includes a filter or screen 2741.

It can be seen that shell 2602 is formed to have parallel grooves (notidentified) that extend along the outer wall of the shell. These groovesare not relevant to this invention. Shell 2602 defines a void 2604through which fluid flows prior to discharge from an outlet 2606. Afilter 2605 is shown removably fitted in shell void space 2604. Themeans by which the filter 2605 is disposed in shell 2602 is not part ofthe present invention.

The cassette cap 2610, now described by reference to FIGS. 57, 59 and60, is formed as a single-piece unit and is shaped to have a cylindricalskirt 2612. Skirt 2612 is dimensioned to extend around the open distalend of shell 2602. An end plate 2614 that is generally circular in shapeextends inwardly from the distal end of skirt 2612. The end plate 2614forms the distal end of cap 2610. A fitting 2616 extends outwardly fromthe cap end plate 2614. Fitting 2616 is designed to receive a suctionline 50. The bore through the fitting 2616 (bore not identified) leadsinto the void space 2604 within the cassette 2600 defined by shell 2602and cap 2610. In the depicted version of the invention, fitting 2616extends forward from a location that is radially spaced away from thecenter longitudinal axis of the cassette 2600, the axis through plate2614 around which the cassette 2600 is rotated when in the receptacle1699.

Sleeve 2640, as seen best in FIGS. 57, 59 and 60, is formed integrallywith cap 2610. The sleeve 2640 extends forward from the cap end plate2614. In the depicted version of the invention the outer body of sleeve2640 is rectangular in cross section. It should be understood that thisdesign feature is not limiting. An oval face plate 2642 extends aroundthe distal end of sleeve 2640. In the depicted version of the invention,the major axis, the longitudinal axis through face plate and the centeraxis through fitting 2616 are located on diametrically opposed sides ofthe longitudinal axis through the cassette 2600.

The face plate 2642 is formed to have two oval webs, webs 2644 and 2648,that project distally forward. One web, web 2644, extends forward fromaround the outer perimeter of the face plate 2642. The second web, web2468, is like web 2464 a closed loop web and is located inward from web2464. A compressible seal 2646 is compressed between webs 2644 and 2648.

Sleeve 2640 is formed so that void space 2652 extends inwardly from theface plate 2642. The sleeve 2642 is formed so as that the void space2652 includes an upper chamber 2654 and a lower chamber 2656. The upperchamber 2654 is essentially rectangular in cross shape. The upperchamber 2654 terminates at an interior surface of sleeve 2640. Thesleeve lower chamber 2656 is located immediately below the upper chamber2654. The lower chamber 2656 is generally rectangular in cross sectionalshape. Lower chamber 2656 while generally of the same length as theupper chamber 2654, has a smaller cross section height and width thanthe upper chamber 2654. Void space also includes a groove 2658 that islocated below the lower chamber 2656. Groove 2658 extends the length ofthe lower chamber 2656. The groove 2658 is semi-circular in crosssectional shape. The widest portion of the groove 2658, the portionimmediately contiguous with the lower chamber 2656, has a width lessthan the width of the lower chamber.

In many versions of the invention the longitudinally extending interiorsurface of the sleeve 2640 that defines the top of the upper chamber2654 and the longitudinally interior surface that defines the base ofgroove 2658 are parallel to each other. For manufacturing reasons thesesurfaces and these surfaces are slightly offset from the perpendicularrelative to the plane of the sleeve face plate 2642. By extension thesleeve void space 2652 thus does not extend perpendicularly relative tothe sleeve face plate 2642.

Cassette cap 2610 is further formed so that a fitting 2664 extends awayfrom an upper surface of sleeve 2640. The fitting 2664 is shaped toreceive a suction line 50. The bore through fitting opens into the topof the upper chamber 2654 of the void space 2642. The cassette cap 2610is also shaped so that adjacent the distal end of the void space thereis an opening 2666 that provides a fluid path through the cap end plate2614. Opening 2666 is circular in shape. The cap 2610 is formed so thatgroove 2658 and the adjacent proximal end of the distal chamber extendto opening 2666. Fitting 2616 and opening 2666 are located on opposedsides of the cassette longitudinal axis that extends through end plate2614.

In the depicted version of the invention, the sleeve 2640 is shownhaving a closed end bore 2670. Bore extends forward from the cap endplate 2614. Bore 2670 is present for manufacturing purposes and is nototherwise relevant to this invention.

A cylindrical boss 2678 extends inwardly from the inner, proximallydirected surface of the cap end plate 2614. Boss 2678 is generallycylindrical in shape. A base 2676 extends around the portion of the boss2678 that projects outward from the end plate 2614. The base has anouter diameter greater than that of boss 2676.

When cassette 2600 of this invention is assembled a valve assembly 2682,seen only in FIG. 28, is seated over base 2676 and boss 2678. Valveassembly 2682 is essentially identical to valve assembly 1800. Valveassembly 2682 valve is positioned so that one of the flapper valves 1814seats over proximal open end of fitting 2616. The second flapper valveus seated over the structural features of cap 2610 that define opening2666. Valve assembly 2682 has a hub (not identified) that is seated overbase 2676. A ring 2684 press fit over boss 2678 holds the hub and, byextension the whole of valve assembly to the cap end plate 2614.

In the depicted versions of the invention, the cap 2610 has a tubes 2688that is coaxial with fitting 2616 that extends beyond the inner face ofend plate 2614. A tube 2690 extends proximally from and around opening2666. Tubes 2688 and 2690 both have proximal ends that are angled, notperpendicular, relative to the longitudinal axis through the cassette2600. Flapper valves 1814 seat against these proximal end openings oftubes 2688 and 2690. Owing to the resilient nature of the materialforming valve assembly 2682, the valves 1814 are thus biased so as to bepressed against the proximal ends of tubes 2688 and 2690.

A fitting cap 2687 is molded with cassette cap 2610. A flexible tether2686 also part of the molded assembly extends from a distal end of skirt2612 to hold the fitting cap 2687 to the cassette cap 2610.

The screen holder 2702, sometimes called the tissue trap, is nowdescribed by reference to FIGS. 61A and 61B. The screen holder 2702 isformed as a single-piece unit. Screen holder 2702 is shaped to a faceplate 2704. The face plate 2704 is shaped so that the outer perimeter ofthe proximally directed surface of the plate will seat against seal2646. A pull tab 2706 extends perpendicularly away from the distallydirected surface, the normally exposed surface, of plate 2704. Thescreen holder 2702 is shaped so that tab 2706 extends away from an upperportion of plate 2704. Screen holder is further shaped so that anindentation 2708 extends inwardly from the exposed surface of the faceplate 2704. Indentation 2708 is present for molding purposes.

A tray holder 2712 extends from the proximal directed surface, thenormally concealed surface of the face plate 2704. Tray holder 2712 isgenerally in the form of a U-shaped beam wherein the opposed ends of thebeam are the portions of the beam adjacent the face plate 2704. The trayholder 2712 is formed so that the curved semi-circular portion of thetray holder has a number of spaced apart fingers 2714. Tabs 2716 extendinwardly from two of the fingers 2714. Tray holder 2712 is furtherformed so that a small triangular shaped rib 2718 (only one illustrated)extends outwardly from the opposed side surfaces of the hold. The trayholder is formed so that the side-to-side width between the outermostsurfaces of the opposed ribs 2718 is approximately 0.5 mm greater thanthe cross sectional width across the upper chamber 2654 internal tosleeve 2640. Rims 2720 (two shown) extend inwardly from the inwardlydirected surfaces of tray holder 2712. Rims 2720 are located adjacentthe bottom edges of the tray holder 2712.

Two legs, legs 2724 and 2728, extend downwardly from tray holder 2720.Leg 2724, the distal of the two legs, extends directly downwardly fromthe tray holder 2720. While not apparent in FIG. 61B, leg 2724 islocated proximally away from face plate 2704. Leg 2728, the proximal ofthe two legs extends downwardly and distal forward from the curvedproximal end of the tray holder. A skid 2726 extends between the freeends of legs 2724 and 2728. Legs 2724 and 2728 and skid 2726 aredimensioned to seat in groove 2658 internal to sleeve 2640.

Catch tray 2740 is similar in design to catch tray 1880. The screen27841, shown diagrammatically in FIG. 57, for trapping tissue forms thebase of the catch tray. Screen 2741 is essentially identical to screen1890. A set of walls 2742 extend upwardly from the outer perimeter ofthe screen. A rim 2744 extends outwardly from the top edges of walls2742. The catch tray 2740 is dimensioned to seat within the void definedby the opposed sides and proximal end of tray holder 2720. The catchtray 2740 is further dimensioned so that when the tray is so seated, theproximal curved side wall 2742 at the proximal end of the tray abutstray holder tabs 2716 so as to cause the outward flexure of fingers2714. The force imposed by the tray holder fingers 2714 and tabs 2716against the catch tray 2740 as they attempt to return to their unbiasedpositions serves to removably hold the tray in the tray holder 2712.

In some versions of the invention the components forming cassette 2600are constructed so that the when the catch tray 2740 is fitted to thetray holder 2712 the distance from the bottom surface of skid 2726 tothe top surface of the catch tray rim 2744 is approximately 0.5 mmgreater than the top to bottom height of the surfaces internal to sleeve2640 that define the top of the upper chamber 2654 and the base ofgroove 2658.

Cassette 2600, like cassette 1700, is readied for use by the insertionand rotation of the cassette 2600 in the receptacle 1699 as seen in FIG.62. A suction line 50 through which a fluid stream that contains tissuesamples worth collecting is attached to fitting 2664. A suction line 50through which a fluid stream that does not contain tissue samples worthcollecting is attached to fitting 2616. In this version of the inventionit should be appreciated that the sleeve 2640 and therefore void space2652, is spaced forward from the rest of the cassette 2600.

The screen holder 2702 is seated in sleeve void space 2652. Owing to thewidth between the outer surfaces of the screen holder ribs 2718 beingslightly greater than the width across the upper chamber 2654 of voidspace 2652, the ribs press against the inner surfaces of sleeve 2640that define the chamber 2652. This serves to slightly compression holdthe screen holder 2704 to sleeve 2640. During time periods in whichthere is no need to collect specimens from the stream flowing throughfitting 2664 a catch tray is not seated in the tray holder 2740. Whenthe cassette 2600 is operated in this state the fluid stream flow fromfitting 2664 through void space 2652 and opening 2666. From opening 2664the fluid flows into the void space 2604 across filter 2605 and outthrough outlet opening 2606. Since a catch tray 2740 is not fitted tothe screen holder 2704, this fluid stream is not filtered as it transitsthe sleeve void space 2652.

It should be realized that during operation of the cassette 2600, theinner surface of the screen holder face plate 2704 is disposed againstseal 2646. The abutment of plate 2704 against seal 2646 prevents theloss of suction between the interface of sleeve 2640 and the screenholder 2702.

When it is useful to collect a specimen, screen holder 2702 is removedfrom sleeve 2640 so a catch tray 2740 can be fitted to the holder. Thisstep can be performed while maintaining the suction draw on the cassette2600. The screen holder 2702 is removed by pulling on tab 2706. Morespecifically, owing to the positioning of the tab 2706, the pulling onthe tab results in the outward and downward pivoting of the screenholder face plate 2704 relative to seal 2646 fitted to sleeve 2640. Inother words, the individual performing this action is able to, by usingface plate 2704 as a lever, break the suction force that holds the plateto the sleeve 2640.

Once the screen holder 2702 is withdrawn from sleeve 2640, the catchtray 2740 is seated in the tray holder 2712. As discussed above, owingthe flexure of fingers 2714, the tray holder fingers 2714 and tabs 2716releasable hold the catch tray in the void within the tray holder 2712.The screen holder is then reinserted in the sleeve void space 2652.

In versions of the invention wherein the top to bottom height betweenthe catch tray rim 2744 and skid 2726 is greater than the top to bottomheight between the top of the upper chamber 2654 and the base of thegroove 2658, the tray holder legs 2724 and 2728 flex. Owing to theresilient nature of the material from which the screen holder 2702 isformed, the legs 2724 and 2728 place a force on the catch tray 2740through the tray holder 2712. This force urges the catch tray rim 2744against the inner surface of the sleeve 2640 that defines the upperchamber 2654. When fluid again flows through the screen void space 2652this serves to ensure that essentially the whole of the fluid streamfrom fitting 2666 flows across the screen integral with catch tray 2640.Any large item in this fluid stream, ideally the tissue the practitionerwants to capture for study, is thus trapped in the catch tray 2740.

It should be appreciated that owing to the design of the cassette 2600,the sleeve 2640 is located forward of the manifold receptacle 1690.Typically the cassette 2600 or at least the sleeve 2640 is formed frommaterial that is transparent. Collectively these features of theinvention make it possible for the medical personnel to observe the flowthrough the sleeve void space 2652 before the fluid stream flows intothe waste collection unit. This makes it possible for the personnel todetermine when the tissue required for study becomes trapped in thecatch tray 2740.

The ability to quickly view the catch tray 2740 is further enhanced bythe fact that sleeve 2640 is located forward of the rest of the cassette2600, the cassette housing. This prominent position of the sleeve causesan individual to naturally direct his/her eyes to the sleeve and thecatch tray seated in the sleeve.

In an alternative version of this embodiment of the invention, the catchtray is integral with the screen holder. In these versions of theinvention an additional component, essentially just face plate 2704, isalso provided. This face plate functions as a second cap that is fittedto sleeve 2640 when there is no need to collect a specimen from thestream that is discharged into the cassette through fitting 2666.

IX. Alternative Embodiments

While the invention has been described with reference to exemplaryembodiments, it will be understood by those skilled in the art thatvarious changes may be made and equivalents may be substituted forelements and features thereof without departing from the scope of theinvention. For example, it is contemplated that elements and/or featuresof one embodiment may be combined or substituted with elements and/orfeatures of another embodiment. In addition, many modifications may bemade to adapt a particular system, device or component thereof to theteachings of the invention without departing from the essential scopethereof. It is intended that the invention not be limited to theparticular embodiments disclosed for carrying out this invention.

For example, not all versions of the inventions may have all thefeatures described. The features of the different embodiments of theinvention may be combined. Likewise, there is no requirement that allversions of the invention include the described highly mobile wastecollection unit, rover 30. For example, in some versions of theinvention the waste collection unit may simply consist of a mobile orstatic unit that is connected to an external suction source. Themanifold receptacle and complementary manifold are mounted to the wastecollection unit.

For example, there is no requirement that all versions of this inventioninclude a mechanism that, in addition to serving as a suction conduit,supplies irrigation fluid. Likewise, while the system is generallydesigned for use as part of system that collects medical waste, otherversions of the inventions may not have this functionality. Thus someversions of this invention may only have relatively small canisters,canisters capable of holding 10 liters or less of waste. In theseversions of the invention, the waste is collected solely as a byproductof the primary objective of performing the procedure; the retrieval ofthe tissue. In these versions of the invention, it should be appreciatedthat the cassette is therefore not provided with components thatfacilitate the pumping of fluid to the site to which the suctionapplied.

Likewise, use of this invention is not limited to a system forcollecting tissue from the gastrointestinal tract. In other versions ofthe invention, the suction applicator may be designed for insertion intothe esophagus. The suction applicator would therefore be used to drawmaterial, including tissue from the esophagus or the stomach. Stillanother version of this invention may be used with devices inserted intothe pulmonary passageways. These versions of the invention can be usedto selectively retrieve tissue from either these passageways or thelungs.

Further in some versions of the invention, the cassette may have its ownfilter. When the system is not being tissue collection mode, the fluidstream withdrawn from the site to which the suction applicator isapplied is flowed through this filter. This filter therefore serves totrap solids that, could potentially adversely affect the operation ofthe other components of the waste collection unit. These solids includesutures and bits of tissue that practitioner does not want to preservefor additional study.

In this version of the invention, the tissue trap is selectively placedin line with this cassette filter so as to be upstream of the cassettefilter. When the practitioner is aware that a section of tissue thesuction applicator is about to entrained in the fluid stream, by eitherthe positioning of the tissue trap of the actuation of the valves, thetissue trap is placed in line with the cassette filter.

In the version of the invention described with respect to FIGS. 35-44,the screen 1890 need not always be rectangular. In some versions of theinvention if the screen is curved a single wall may extend around theperimeter of the screen to define the cavity in which the tissue istrapped. Likewise there is no requirement that in all versions of thisembodiment of the invention that the second fitting, fitting 1732 beprovided. Further, alternative means may be provided for releasablyholding the catch tray 1880 to holder 1852. These alternative engagementmechanisms include magnets and snap fittings. In versions of theinvention wherein the catch tray is suspended to the holder the tray maybe suspended from a single beam that extends from the holder.

The backflow prevention valves that prevent backflow through fittings1732 and 1734 may be different what have been described. For example, aone way valve such as an umbrella valve may be mounted in each of thefittings 1732 and 1734.

Similarly, in some versions of the invention the outlet opening 1770 inthe cassette may be located in center of the proximal end base of thecassette. Likewise, there is no requirement that in all cassettes ofthis invention designed to rotate in the complementary receive that thatthe shell have a cylindrical side wall. In alternative versions of theinvention, the shell may have a polygonal in shape.

A benefit of this version of the invention, is that the suction streamis always filtered to prevent the introduction of potentially damagecausing material into the downstream components of the collectionsystem. When it is desirable to retain a section of tissue for study,the tissue can be retrieved without having to extract it from the filledwith waste cassette filter. The tethers that hold caps 1740 to thefittings 1732 and 1734 may be deleted. Further there is no requirementthat in all versions of the invention the cassette be provided with thebypass fitting, fitting 1732. In still other versions of the invention,plural bypass fitting may be provided to any one of the cassettes ofthis invention.

Structures other than an O-ring, for example a gasket, may provide theseal between the cap 1862 of the

Various means may be used to control the components of this invention.For example a footswitch assembly, not illustrated may be provided. Theone or more footswitches integral with this assembly may be used tocontrol the suction pump or the irrigation pump. Therefore, it is anobject of the appended claims to cover all such variations andmodifications that come within the true spirit and scope of thisinvention.

What is claimed is:
 1. A specimen collection cassette for use with amedical fluid collection system, said cassette including: a housingconfigured for removable attachment to the fluid collection system; afirst fitting attached to the housing to which a suction line thatextends from a medical/surgical site can be attached; an outlet openingformed in the housing through which fluid drawn through the fitting isable to flow through the housing and into fluid collection system; and aporous screen disposed in the housing between the fitting and the outletopening for trapping material entrained in the fluid flow through thehousing wherein: the housing is formed with a supplemental opening thatis separate from the outlet opening, the supplemental opening openinginto a first void space internal to the housing, the first fitting opensinto the first void and there is a fluid path from the first void spaceto the housing outlet opening; a cap is removably attached to thehousing so as to seat over the supplemental opening, said cap having aninner surface that is directed to the housing first void space; and thescreen is removably attached to the inner surface of said cap and shapedto occupy the housing first void space so that, when the screen isattached to said cap and said cap is disposed over the supplementalopening, fluid that flows from the first fitting through the housingfirst void space to the outlet opening flows across the screen.
 2. Thespecimen collection cassette of claim 1, wherein: the housing has asleeve with interior surfaces that defines the first void space, thefirst fitting has a bore that opens into a first interior surface ofsaid sleeve and a second interior surface of the sleeve opposite thefirst interior surface is formed with an aperture through which is ableto flow through the housing towards the outlet opening; and at least onewall extends upwardly from an outer perimeter of the screen so thatscreen and said at least one wall collectively define an open endedcavity; and the screen and said at least one wall are collectivelyreleasably attached to said cap so that, when said cap with attachedscreen and frame is fitted to the housing, the cavity is open to thefirst fitting bore and the screen is disposed against the secondinterior surface of said housing sleeve.
 3. The specimen collectioncassette of claim 1, wherein: the housing is formed with a wall thatseparates from the housing first void space from a second void spacewherein the housing outlet opening opens from the second void space andsaid wall is formed with an aperture through which fluid can flow fromthe first void space into the second void space; and a second fittingfor receiving a suction line extends from the housing and said secondfitting opens directly into the housing second void space.
 4. Thespecimen collection cassette of claim 3, wherein: a first backflowprevention valve is mounted to the housing to prevent backflow from thehousing second void space into the housing first fitting; and a secondbackflow prevention valve is mounted to the housing to prevent backflowfrom the housing second void space into the housing second fitting. 5.The specimen collection cassette of claim 4, wherein said first andsecond backflow prevention valves are formed as a single unit.
 6. Thespecimen collection cassette of claim 1, wherein: at least one beamextends from said cap so as to extend into the housing first void space;and a lip extends outwardly from the screen and positioned to extendover said at least one beam so as to releasably suspend the screen tosaid beam.
 7. The specimen collection cassette of claim 6, wherein: saidat least one beam is arranged to form a slot; and the screen and saidlip are collectively shaped so that the screen seats in the slot andsaid lip extends over the at least one slot-forming beam.
 8. Thespecimen collection cassette of claim 7, wherein said at least one beamis shaped so the slot is fully enclosed by said beam.
 9. The specimencollection cassette of claim 1, wherein: the housing has a base thatforms a proximal end of the housing wherein the base has a center; andsaid outlet opening is formed in the housing opening and center that isspaced from the center of the housing base.
 10. The specimen collectioncassette of claim 1, wherein: said housing has a shell that forms aproximal portion of said housing, the shell having a cylindrical outerwall; and the outlet opening is formed in the shell.
 11. The specimencollection cassette of claim 1, wherein said housing is formed so thatthe first void space is a closed end bore.
 12. The specimen collectioncassette of claim 1, wherein a seal is located between said housing andsaid cap to prevent the loss of suction between said housing and saidcap.
 13. The specimen collection cassette of claim 12, wherein said sealis attached to said cap.
 14. The specimen collection cassette of claim1, wherein the housing includes: a main body in which the outlet openingis formed, the main body having a surface with an aperture that isseparate from the outlet opening; and box that is removably attached tothe main body so as to seat over the surface in which the aperture isformed, the box defining the first void space and the supplementalopening, said box also having and a port that extends from the firstvoid space and that is positioned so that when said box is attached tothe main body there can be fluid communication from the first void spaceinto the main body of the housing through said port and main bodyaperture and wherein said fitting extends from said box so as to openinto the first void space.
 15. A specimen collection assembly for usewith a medical fluid collection system, said assembly including: ahousing configured for removable attachment to the fluid collectionsystem; a first fitting attached to the housing to which a suction linethat extends from a medical/surgical site can be attached; an outletopening formed in the housing through which fluid drawn through thefitting is able to flow through the housing and into fluid collectionsystem; and a porous screen disposed in the housing between the fittingand the outlet opening for trapping material entrained in the fluid flowthrough the housing, wherein: the housing is formed with a supplementalopening that is separate from the outlet opening, the supplementalopening opening into a first void space internal to the housing, thefirst fitting opens into the first void and there is a fluid path fromthe first void space to the housing outlet opening; a first cap forremovable attachment to the housing so as to seat over the supplementalopening, said cap having a screen shaped to occupy the housing firstvoid space so that, when said first cap is disposed over thesupplemental opening, fluid that flows from the first fitting throughthe housing first void space to the outlet opening flows across thescreen; a second cap for removable attachment to housing so as to seatover the supplemental opening, the second cap not having a screen sothat when said second cap is seated over the supplemental opening fluidthat flows from the first fitting through the housing first voice spaceis not filtered in the first void space; and a second fitting attachedto said housing to which a suction line can be attached, said secondfitting opening into a space in the housing other than the first voidspace and being in communication with the outlet opening.
 16. A cassettefor use with a medical waste collection system that includes at leastone canister for receiving waste, said cassette comprising: a housingshaped for insertion into a receptacle that is part of the system andthat is connected to the at least one canister, the housing havingopposed proximal and distal ends and a housing void space; a firstfitting shaped to receive a suction line, the first fitting connected tothe housing so that so that fluid drawn through the suction line willflow into the housing void space; and an outlet opening in the housingproximal end through which fluid can flow from the housing void spacethrough receptacle to the at least one canister wherein: a sleeve isattached to the housing adjacent the proximal end of the housing so thatwhen the housing is inserted in the receptacle, the sleeve is locatedforward of the receptacle so as to be visible, the sleeve shaped tohave: a sleeve void space; a first sleeve opening between the outsideand the void space; and a second sleeve opening between the sleeve voidspace and the housing void space, wherein said sleeve is formed from atleast partially transparent material so that the sleeve void space isvisible; the first fitting is further attached to said sleeve so thatthe first fitting opens into the sleeve void space; a screen shaped tobe removably inserted into the sleeve void space through the sleevefirst opening and to be positioned between the fitting and the sleevesecond opening so that fluid that enters the sleeve void space throughthe first fitting transits across said screen; and a cap shaped to beremovably attached to said sleeve to cover the sleeve first opening. 17.The cassette of claim 16, wherein: the housing has a plate that forms adistal end of the housing; and said sleeve is attached to said housingso as to extend forward from the plate.
 18. The cassette of claim 16,wherein said screen is removably fitted to said cap so that when saidscreen is fitted to said cap and said cap is fitted to said sleeve, saidscreen is disposed in the sleeve void space.
 19. The cassette of claim16, wherein said screen is part of a catch tray that has walls thatextend around said screen.